We’d like to say a huge thanks to each of the amazing 232 people who stepped forward to take part in our annual Run 31 challenge during January. So far they’ve raised over £25K to support our lifesaving work. Our top fundraiser was Andy Mayne, father of our Young Ambassador Isla, who has raised over £1600.
To complete Run 31 supporters were challenged to run or walk 31 miles, or one mile a day, during January. Some chose to mark the 35th anniversary of the charity being founded by the inspirational Kate Chivers by giving themselves a target of 35 miles. Others challenged themselves to run double or triple the 62 or 93 miles, equivalent to two or three miles per day. If covering 31 miles wasn’t challenging enough, supporter Rachel Walker chose to cover the distance wearing a red inflatable costume.
Lola Inge, Running and Challenge Manager at KSS said: “We’re so grateful to our team of lifesavers for raising such an amazing sum, they are all incredible. Whether they ran or walked, and whatever distance they covered, every step they’ve taken Will help us save lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
“It’s been humbling and inspiring to hear from many of them about their experiences during Run 31 and lovely to see photos of them running and walking in so many different locations.”
On our dedicated Run 31 Facebook group, those taking part have been sharing their experiences and inspiring each other to fundraise and complete the challenge.
Participants included KSS patients including former army helicopter medic Jez Stevens who covered the 31 miles during runs with his dog Kilo. Jez recently, whose life was saved by KSS following an accident on a construction site, shared his story of survival to support our New Year Raffle.
Steve Wolfe, who has supported KSS with a series of gruelling running challenges, including running 50 half marathons in 50 days to mark his 50th birthday covered an astonishing 700km, his biggest ever running total in one month.
Although Run 31 has come to an end, you can choose a challenge that’s right for you or even create your own challenge and support your local air ambulance by visiting our challenge events page.
