Fundraising will be a family affair when father and daughter duo Chris and Louise Stephens walk the London 2 Brighton 100km Challenge.
Chris and Louise aim to complete the ultra endurance event, which is the equivalent of walking almost two-and-a-half marathons, in around 27 hours. They are raising money for Thomas’ Fund, a charity which 17-year-old Louise first learned about at school. She said: “I wanted to raise money for a smaller charity that is not heard of as much. Plus it is for children, it is a really good thing that they are doing.”
Thomas’ Fund raises funds to support the work of music therapists in Northants who provide musical experiences for children with life-limiting illnesses or disabilities which mean they cannot attend school.
Louise, who lives in Brackley with her mum, twin sister Beth and older brother Tom, is looking forward to the challenge. She said: “I fancied doing a challenge and I am not very good at running so I thought about doing this.”
Dad Chris, who lives in Pewsey, near Swindon, is an ultra endurance veteran having completed the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge and other long-distance walks.
The pair have been clocking up the miles in preparation for the event which takes place on May 24 and 25. Louise said: “Training has made me realise it is going to be quite difficult.Dad said the worst bit is when you sit down at the check points and you do not want to get up again.”
Louise attends Magdalen College School, Brackley, where she is studying for her A-levels. She will go on to a musical theatre course at the University of Central Lancashire after which she hopes to work as an actress.
To sponsor them go to www.justgiving.com/Louise-Stephens2