A local man is almost halfway through a 107km running challenge to help the care, support and activities provided at Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
Between May and October Robert Farmer will be completing eight running challenges across the north of England to raise money in aid of Cumbrian charity. During the six month challenge Robert will be taking part in five 10km events, one 15km run and two half marathons.
Robert, a paramedic from Carlisle, explained, “I have chosen Jigsaw because of the amazing work the children’s hospice does, not just treating and supporting the kids in their care, but also their families and friends. On a selfish note, I have a young daughter and I hope and pray she stays fit and healthy, but if something happens then I want to know Jigsaw would be there to help. I have been called to the hospice on a few occasions with my job, and I’m always amazed with the care, compassion and professionalism shown by all the team members.
“I chose to take part in various running events for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I hoped that if I took part in numerous events it would help increase the amount of money I could raise. Last year, I raised over £600 just doing the Cumbrian Run, so I hope the logic of doing more would follow. Secondly, obviously the big events are the Great North Run and the Cumbrian Run, so by committing to doing events prior to these would also be a motivator to get me out training.”
To date Robert has completed the Carlisle Urban Trail 10km, Gelt Gladiator 10km, Race for Life 10km and the Dalston Festival 15km. During August, Robert will be taking part the Sport in Action 10km before completing the Carlisle Half 10km and Great North Run in September and completing the challenge in October with the Great Cumbrian Run.
Robert, 47, continued, “I guess the thing everyone looks forward to about these events is completing them, but I also enjoy the banter with the other competitors. The only thing I am least looking forward to is the great British weather, or at least the uncertainty of the British weather.
“The hardest thing about training has been some of the extremes of weather we’ve had recently. You really have to consider your nutrition and hydration a lot more carefully when the weather is hot, and you really need to be able to self-motivate yourself to get out when it’s really wet. I just remind myself of why I’m doing it and that being brave and putting up with a little bit of personal discomfort during my training is nothing compared to what the kids and their loved ones must be going through.”
The money raised by Robert during his 107km running challenge will help Jigsaw to provide care, support and activities at the local charity. Jigsaw is the children’s hospice for Cumbria. From Workington to Appleby, Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle, Jigsaw provides unique care and support to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses.
If you would like to sponsor Robert as he raises money in aid of the local charity please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-farmer4
Robert concluded, “The best bit about fundraising is knowing what a great cause the money raised is going to, also it is good to know you’ve done your bit to help.
“I would also like to thank the Royal Oak Inn at Moorhouse for their support. Steve and Lynn are massive supporters of Jigsaw so were more than happy to help, not only sponsoring me but also encouraging other local companies to sponsor me too.”
If you would like to take part in your own fundraising event in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 810801, email [email protected] or visit www.jigsawhospice.org