Teenager hits the ground running with fundraising challenge
A teenage girl from Tameside is lacing up her trainers to embark on a bumper running challenge to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
Freya Goodwin has doubled her target so she is now running 60k in total by taking on 5k runs at Parkrun at Oldham’s Alexandra Park over 12 consecutive Saturday mornings.
Running is something Freya doesn’t normally like doing but the 14-year-old is pushing herself out of her comfort zone, in memory of a close family friend who received end-of-life care at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne last year.
“I want to raise money in memory of a dear family friend who sadly passed away far too soon last year and they have always supported me,” Freya explained.
“Her husband very kindly nominated Willow Wood as the charity that he and his wife would want to support through my fundraising.”
Freya takes on a different challenge at this time every year as part of her studies at Mossley Hollins High School, where community and fundraising is part of their Character Awards initiative.
“Last year I walked the distance of a marathon over the month of March which was a lot of hiking around Dove Stone and different places,” said the Year 9 pupil.
“For this fundraiser, I really wanted to challenge myself by doing something far out of my comfort zone. Most people who know me know that my nemesis is running.
“I can walk, swim, play netball and volleyball but I’m not particularly good at running. I am not expecting to get great times. This challenge is going to be difficult but, as this fundraiser means so much, I will give it my all.”
It’s a family affair as Freya is being accompanied on her runs by mum Faye, dad Steven and their dog Honey.
She has already smashed her initial fundraising target of £100 and hopes to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood, which provides high quality, multi-professional care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.
You can make a donation on Freya’s JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/freya-goodwin-1709142095339
If you are taking on a running event or a challenge for Willow Wood, send an email to fundraising@willowwood.org.uk so the Hospice’s team can support you along the way.