Coronavirus: Sussex runners disappointed by marathon postponements invited to join fundraising challenge

A woman preparing for a 100k trek is inviting runners disappointed by precautionary marathon cancellations to join her fundraising project.
Victoria McHughVictoria McHugh
Victoria McHugh

Victoria McHugh, who lives in Worthing and works in Haywards Heath, is training for a challenge that will see her take on a trek across the Sahara Desert.

She hopes to raise £4,000 for the Bloom project, which supports young adults by giving them the tools and support they need to build up their mental resilience.

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Those disappointed by the postponement of major running events such as the London, Brighton, Manchester, and Edinburgh marathons due to the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to join Victoria’s ‘Run 4 Bloom’ project, helping to raise the £4,000 total.

Those who want to take part in Run 4 Bloom can sign up to a 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon for a £15 entry fee.

Originally, participants could sign up to a date between April 10 and 26 – the week of the London Marathon – to commit to running their chosen distance.

However, Victoria said: “I have extended my virtual run so people can sign up across the whole of April so those who have spent months on training can enter and still get a medal and online support.”

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Participants then have 24 hours on their chosen day to run the distance. It can be broken up throughout the chosen date or done in one go.

Victoria said: “Once completed send in your evidence using any free health fitness app, i.e. Strava, Run Keeper, Fit Bit.

“Then the best part – await a medal designed by me congratulating you on your achievement.

The Run 4 Bloom challenge is open to everyone.

Victoria said: “Whatever your current fitness levels you can get involved.

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“Kids can enter too, I know my five year old, Harry, is excited to receive his medal.”

To sign up for a Run 4 Bloom challenge, visit runthings.co.uk/events.

Victoria said: “Having suffered from mental health issues as a young adult it is great I can now help the community and protect the next generation by raising money for such a good cause.

“I want to break the stigma that is often attached to those suffering and the only way to do this is to share and talk about my past. To let people know it is ok not to be ok and that it will get better.

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“What did help me through was running – now I may be slower than a tortoise running through peanut butter, but I get out there and I run.

“The hardest part of running is getting your trainers on and going out of your front door. But once the run is completed I feel great, the endorphins are running through me and I feel de stressed and so much better in my mind and body.

“Running was the turning point in my life and I hope this run would not only raise money but will also help others in dealing with their mental health.”

The Sahara Desert trek is set to take place in October of this year. A team of 30 colleagues from Lloyd’s banking group, at which Victoria works as a change manager, have been selected to complete the four day trek.

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Victoria said: “By completing this once in a life time challenge I am able to give back to society and help the next generation by breaking down the stigma.”

To donate directly to Victoria’s fundraising project, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/victoria-mchugh11.