Wokingham runners take on 24-hour fundraiser
THREE runners took on an epic challenge around Wokingham to raise money for a mental health charity close to their hearts.
Wokingham resident Matthew Bloomfield, Yateley-based Eathan Smith and Matt Bull, from Fleet, embarked on a 24-hour run around the town on Friday, September 17.
Starting at 8pm at St Paul’s Church, the trio travelled in a relay-style loop around Wokingham, running past
Joel Park and through to Cantley Park, where only one person ran at one time.
“We were excited about doing the run, but I don’t think we really knew what to expect,” Eathan Smith said.
“The adrenaline kept us going through the first couple of laps, although we did get lost on a couple of occasions and ended up running further than we wanted.
“A couple of hours before we started the run the donations started to flood in, and that’s when we started to feel some nerves, as we didn’t want to let anybody down, but it definitely helped us keep going during the early hours of the morning.”
The group were greeted at the finish line with cheers and clapping from their loved ones, and a much deserved beer.
Mr Smith added: “It’s taken a couple of days for it to sink in.
Matt and I had not even run a half marathon before, but by the end of the day we had all technically run an ultra marathon.”
He said they chose to support CALM, as they have struggled with their own mental health in some way.
The trio wanted to show their support for an organisation that helped lift the stigma around the subject of suicide.
“We also wanted to support the great work that CALM do providing critical services to people struggling
with their own mental health or families impacted by suicide,” Mr Smith said.
He went on to thank all of their supporters for their donations so far.
“When it was dark and all our muscles ached, your kindness and generosity helped push up on.”
James Baker, head of fundraising at CALM, described the group’s running challenge as “truly inspirational”.
“It’s thanks to incredible supporters like Matthew, Ethan and Matt, who raise vital funds and awareness, that we continue to be there for people who need us, no matter what” he said.
“Every week in the UK over 100 people take their own lives.
“At CALM, we believe there is always hope, always a reason for living, so please join us in supporting the trio in their challenge and CALM’s fight in uniting against suicide in any way you are able to.”