A team of nine local people who ran all the way from Land’s End to Teddington over two days crossed the finish line on Sunday 6th October to cheers and champagne.
The exhausted but ecstatic team, who braved the winds, hail and rain of Storm Amy, arrived back to a celebratory party at The Builders Arms, Teddington. Together, they have raised more than £10,000 for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston — the charity that supports unpaid, often vulnerable carers and those they look after.
The run took longer than initially expected due to some rerouting for the runner’s safety which meant that the entire run was actually 300 miles long, rather than the 250 miles that had been planned initially. The team members – Stuart (challenge organiser) Jess (Crossroads Care holistic therapist), Michelle, Martin, Rupert, Dave, Kate, Joey and Ed — ran, one at a time, in relay and in between rested on the cramped conditions of a shared minibus. The team were supported by four drivers and three navigators.
Challenge leader, Stuart, said: ‘The whole team were absolutely amazing. Thanks so much to them and to everyone who has donated to the cause. There were highs and lows on the challenge, but whenever things got tough, we focussed on the carers that we were running for who rarely get a break from their 24/7 caring roles.’
Attendees at the welcome home party included the charity’s patron The Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable, Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Penny Frost as well as charity ambassador Caitlin Limmer.
Sir Vince said, ‘Crossroads is a wonderful organisation which has done an enormous amount over the years to help people with care needs. It’s mobilised huge support among the community, including these incredible people who have run hundreds of miles for the charity and that is very much the spirit of the organisation. It’s super to be here at The Builders Arms to welcome the runners home.’
Madam Mayor Cllr Penny Frost said: ‘I think it’s absolutely amazing what these runners are doing for Crossroads Care. This shows how much loyalty there is for Crossroads that people are prepared to run 250 miles in the weather we’ve had. Thank you to the team for powering through.’
Julie Da Costa, Crossroads Care CEO, added: ‘I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible team. They’ve shown extraordinary grit, heart, and determination — overcoming a mud-stranded minibus and braving Storm Amy — all in the name of supporting unpaid carers in our community. Thank you to the runners and their support team — you are true champions for unpaid carers everywhere.’
If you would like to donate to the challenge, please visit their campaign page.
