Marie Debont-booth from Gillingham is one of over 300 KSS supporters who’ve signed up for our Run 31 challenge in January. But while most will be running or walking 31 miles during the month to support the lifesaving charity’s work, Marie is planning on running an incredible 310 miles!
After the first week of the Run 31 challenge Marie, a member of the 100 Marathon Club, was on target to achieve this, having run 70 miles in seven days – an average of 10 miles a day – including two marathons.
Marie (55) says she first learned about the importance of air ambulances in 2022 when she saw one being called to help a runner who had collapsed. She became inspired to support KSS after starting work at our Rochester HQ last November as a receptionist.
Marie explained: “One of the calls I’ve taken was from a lady whose husband was saved by KSS a few years ago. Hearing her story really touched me and when I heard about Run 31, I had to get involved.”
Marie, who is close to completing 300 marathons, says she actually prefers even longer events.
“I love 100-mile events. They’re extreme but I have managed three of them. I go on my daily runs between 4am and 6am. One day recently it was minus 4 degrees but I’m that person who still wears shorts all year round. I might have a bobble hat on when it is really cold!”
Her interest in long distance running took off after she completed the London Marathon for her niece’s husband following his terminal cancer diagnosis. As well as running marathons across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Marie has completed other marathons including New York and Manchester.
Our Running and Challenge Manager, Lola Inge, said: “Our thanks go to all those running or walking a mile each day as part of Run 31 this January, during some really cold weather. Just £31 could buy two blizzard blankets used to keep patients warm. What Marie is doing is truly inspirational. She really is going above and beyond to support KSS. All her KSS team members are incredibly proud of her and we’re wishing her the very best as she tackles the incredible challenge she’s set herself to help save more lives.
”We’re incredibly grateful to all our supporters for their help in keeping us flying and saving lives. We are an independent charity and it costs £57k per day to run our lifesaving service, almost entirely funded through the generosity and support of people within the communities we serve.”
If you’d like to take on your own personal challenge for KSS, whether it’s walking, running, cycling, running or something else, take a look at our Challenge Events page, email hello@aakss.org.uk or or give us a call on 01634 471 900.
