Press release – 18 October
A running duo from Cornwall have been tackling miles of muddy trails in an epic challenge for people around the world affected by disaster and conflict.
Lily Holdsworth and Zoë Beckly, 22, ran from Bristol to Bath in the Bristol Trail Marathon, covering 26.2 miles, to raise funds for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
The charity specialises in emergency shelter supporting people who have been displaced from their homes. Recognising ShelterBox as a local charity with an international reach, they were eager to show their support.
The close friends met at school in Cornwall but their bond grew stronger during runs together in the first Covid-19 lockdown.
First time marathon runner Lily, says: “Although Zoe and I have been running with each other for years we had never done a race together and decided this year should be the year we do. This run followed the Cotswold Way, a well-known scenic trail, so we gave it a go!
“We began training a few months prior, practicing some hills along the coastal paths in Falmouth. Despite it being summertime, we faced almost every kind of weather – torrential rain, fog, cloud and the occasional very warm day.”
The recent graduate from University of Bristol Zoë, adds: “We’ve both done races before but it was great having each other on this run. We cracked a joke every five miles to distract us from the pain. It only worked for a few seconds but kept us going!
“The sun shone and our families were there to cheer us on. Despite it being a tough run, raising funds for a charity close to our hearts and our home was great motivation. ShelterBox has far reaching results, offering a practical solution to disaster relief all over the world.”
The charity supports people with shelter and essential items like blankets, water filters, solar lights and mosquito nets. It works with and learns from affected communities to understand what people need after disaster.
ShelterBox is currently supporting people in countries across the world, including Gaza, Syria, Bangladesh, Malawi and Ethiopia.
Lily adds: “I particularly like that ShelterBox tailors its response to each disaster and makes sure people affected receive the support they actually need. It’s a very effective strategy towards achieving the most suitable and best solution to a crisis.”
Thanks to generous donations from family and friends, Lily and Zoë surpassed their initial target of £300, raising a total of £415 for ShelterBox responses around the world.
Community Volunteer Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, Jenn Sandiford, says: “What an epic run. I’m always in awe of the challenges our supporters do and how they give up their free time to raise funds for people they will never meet.
“Without supporters like Lily and Zoë we wouldn’t be able to continue our work. For people wanting to get involved, no challenge or fundraiser is too small. Every penny helps us reach more people affected by disaster.”
Since being founded in 2000 ShelterBox has supported nearly three million people across the world. The charity has launched an urgent appeal to support its response to the conflict in Lebanon, and other crises around the world.
To find out more, visit: shelterbox.org
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
Images and captions included. More available upon request.
Interviews available on request with Jenn Sandiford and Lily Holdsworth.
