Two men have been thanked for spending an exhausting nine hours running up and down a sandhill in Birkdale in Southport 500 times – raising £10,000 for Claire House children’s hospice in the process!
Jonny Johnstone and Colin Reilly completed their crazy challenge in scorching sunshine in April.
Jonny Johnstone said: “Myself and Colin Reilly will visit Claire House soon, but they sent us our certificates of thanks and appreciation, also confirming we had received more donations direct!
“So, it’s with great pleasure and pride, we can reveal that over £10,000 was raised.
“It’s been said before, but we both would like to thank you all so much for the generous support given, it was overwhelming.
“Our Sponsors MW Henshaw and Buildright NW never let us down with their continuous time and effort, the day wouldn’t have been the success it was without them. Pete Woodrow McDowell obviously, his training and strategies helped us immensely. Everyone in the media too, much appreciation
“Finally, we have received so many donations and messages from you all, we tried to thank you all individually…..but again, THANK YOU and on to our next challenge!”
The pair started their challenge on Saturday 3rd April at 10am, and finished at 7pm.
It followed months of tough training during the winter.
After completing the run, Jonny said: “Our training had been through the winter, so it was a little more strenuous and tiring with the blazing sun, although the breeze did help in some ways.
“Continuous support was given from people passing by, social distancing was adhered to and we managed to maintain our task without any issues whatsoever. We say no issues, muscle rub was liberally used and we both hit ‘a wall’ at times! But all things considered, we completed what we had set out to do and our 500th trip back down together was greeted with rapturous applause and cheers from close family and friends.”
No 4 coffee, cocktail and wine bar in Birkdale Village also helped with donations by donating 50p from every coffee sold on the day to their appeal.
If anybody still wishes to donate, please find the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandhill-500-challenge
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