Steph Hart, a radiographer who works in Interventional Radiology at NUH, will run at least 5k every other day – including Christmas Day and her birthday – with money raised from her challenge benefiting Treetops Hospice Care; the end-of-life care charity which directly supports more than 1,800 patients and their families across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
By the end of December, I should have clocked up around 50 miles
Steph, a member of Long Eaton Running Club and volunteer for her local Parkrun event, said: “Every year I take part in a charity run and this year, due to many events being cancelled due to Coronavirus, I’ve had to get a little more creative!
“In the past, I’ve run to raise money for several different charities which support people and their families because there is always going to be a need for that kind of help.
“By the end of December, I should have clocked up around 50 miles – 80k – and I will be uploading all of my runs to popular tracking app Strava, so my sponsors can see where I’ve been running.”
Treetops has to raise more than £4.2m every year to run – of which 70% comes from charitable donations and fundraising – and its income has been drastically reduced due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
A local charity which continues to do amazing work
This isn’t the first time that Steph has run for Treetops; she took part in the Ramathon half marathon in 2016 and, last year, ran the Derby 10 Mile event for the hospice.
“During these challenging times, it is good to support a local charity which continues to do amazing work for patients and their families under difficult circumstances,” she said.
“So many fundraising events for brilliant charities such as Treetops has been disrupted this year and, hopefully, my small effort will help.
“I thought that, if I’m going to run, I might as well run for charity and I hope that my contribution will help Treetops.”
Sponsored runs are amongst ‘101 entertaining ways to help Treetops’ that the hospice has launched through their ‘What will you do’ fundraising campaign.
We are bursting with ideas of how people can support Treetops
From walks and runs, to learning a new hobby and donating beer money, there’s something for everyone to take part in, explained Lorraine Ray, community relationships manager:
“We are bursting with ideas of how people can support Treetops so put together 101 ideas in one handy place.
“There’s things for children, adults and families to take part in – and help to raise money for their local hospice at the same time.
“Steph has been a fantastic supporter of Treetops over the years and her efforts are very much appreciated.
“If Steph can run for us on Christmas Day, then I’m sure others can help as well. Have a look at our 101 ideas on our website to get inspired.”
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved and their families.