Maddie celebrates 12th birthday by running for Children's Hospice
The eleven-year-old from East-the-Water, Bideford, earlier this year completed four marathons over four weeks in January
Keen runner Maddie Wilson is putting her best foot forward again with another marathon challenge.
The eleven-year-old from East-the-Water, Bideford, earlier this year completed four marathons over four weeks in January is now working on a new challenge to keep fit, motivated and also help the community.
The Kingsley School pupil explained: “I am running for 12 days, starting on April 7 for Children’s Hospice South West.
“On day one I ran one mile, day two two miles, day three three miles and so on until I get to 12 miles on day 12, which will also be my 12th birthday. A total of 78 miles.
“It hasn’t been that long since I did my last fundraising challenge, running four marathons in four weeks - 104 miles in 28 days - for my gymnastics club as I knew sports clubs were struggling with the impact of Covid.
“On my fundraising journey I discovered that sports clubs weren’t the only places that were being impacted, charities were too.
“Reading the fundraising pages, big annual charity events were being cancelled and charity shops were having to close - put simply charities that make such a difference to people’s lives were struggling to provide the services they had previously been able to.
“My discovery made me think about what I could do to help, particularly with the Covid restrictions in place.
“Running seemed like the best and safest way once again. I also knew I had to challenge myself further and so after much discussion with my parents my 12 day running challenge was born.
“I know the challenge will be tough, particularly my second half where the daily miles will be going up to double figures, but I know that every mile will be worth it to ensure much needed funds are raised for our local hospice.”
When she started to develop her new ideas, her father Stuart and mother Samantha were dubious about her physical capabilities, but she has stunned both with coping well with distances of 11 and 12 miles.
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