Head over heels after running 100k in a week

Super fit Ella Birley ran away with Willow Wood's 100k in 100 Days and did 100k in just one week!  

Not content to walk or run, Ella’s 100k included circuit training, boot camp and more – even running with a car tyre and two dumb-bells! 

Her efforts on behalf of the Ashton-based hospice certainly paid off and she was able to present a cheque for £1,778 to community fundraiser Laura Marinelli. She even did a headstand in the gardens while handing over her fabulous donation! 

Ella said: “I decided to fundraise in memory of my lovely friend Caroline, as she and her family received the best possible care and I wanted to do something to help this wonderful charity. I know they’ve been hit hard by the pandemic.” 

The 100k in 100 Days has really caught people’s imagination.

Laura said: “Although most people are taking their time to complete the fundraiser, supporter Paul Stierl is running 10k every day for 100 days, while Abbie and Rob are also doing 1,000k with a combination of walking and cycling. 

“We’re so grateful for their support and we have links to their online fundraising pages on our social media if anyone would like to contribute.” 

It is an easy way to raise much needed funds for Willow Wood and can be incorporated into your daily routine quite easily, especially if you stick to the original time-frame and distance.  

One kilometre averages around 1,250 to 1,550 steps, depending on your height and length of stride, so is achievable by most people, whether walking the dog, walking round the garden or using home gym equipment.  

As Laura said: “Now that we’re able to exercise with a friend outside, why not meet up in your local park or nearest open space and raise some funds for us while you’re having a catch-up? 

“Two of our long-term supporters, Elaine Smith and Lorraine Vaughton are doing just that. And of course, you don’t have to walk or run, you can cycle, use a home rowing machine – or even incorporate into a game of golf when clubs reopen on March 29.” 

For more information or to register for the 100k in 100 Days, you can visit www.willowwood.info 

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