Sisters go the extra mile for Rennie Grove this January

Harpenden sisters, Emma and Sarah Welland, upped the ante on traditional January fitness goals by launching a challenge to run an incredible 2023km during the month of January, all to raise funds for Rennie Grove. The sisters aren’t putting in the miles alone and have rounded up a group of 23 friends and relatives to join them in their ambitious quest.

With runners as far away as New Zealand, this really is a global challenge, and the individual runners are tracking their runs in Strava, to contribute to the team’s total of 2023km.

Emma and Sarah were moved to launch the challenge for Rennie Grove after their father was cared for by Rennie Grove’s Hospice at Home team before he died last February.

Emma said:

“As Dad neared the end of his life, Rennie Grove’s Hospice at Home team stepped in and really supported the whole family. The nurses who visited him at home were just amazing. Not only did they provide amazing care to Dad, but they really lifted us all with their warmth and gentle humour.

“As we approach the first anniversary of Dad’s death we wanted to really push ourselves with a challenge to raise lots of money for Rennie Grove. We have been so touched by the way our family and friends have stepped up to take part. Some of them have never run a 5km before so this is a real challenge and it’s heart-warming to see the sense of community we have, with everybody spurring each other on to complete the kilometres.”

The January 2023km challenge is just one challenge that the sisters have in mind, with an aim of raising a total of £2023 for Rennie Grove this year. Other challenges on the horizon include Sarah running the Watford Half Marathon in February and Emma signed up to tackle the Edinburgh Marathon in May.

Gemma Ralph, Community Fundraising Manager at Rennie Grove Hospice Care, says:
“Emma and Sarah have really pushed themselves with this challenge and it’s lovely to see how their friends and family have jumped at the chance to join them. I’d like to thank all 25 runners for supporting this challenge to raise funds that will enable us to be there for local people with life-limiting illnesses.”

To find out more about setting up your own challenge in aid of Rennie Grove this year, contact the fundraising team on fundraising@renniegrove.org.uk or 01442 890 222.