Blog: SFM raises £1,400 for charities after running River Thames distance
It has been seven days of blood, sweat and even some tears, but we collectively managed to cover the entire 346km distance by this morning, and more importantly, we smashed our fundraising target - all thanks to our incredibly generous supporters. We set out to raise a respectable £400 throughout the Race the Thames challenge, but, with 50 donations to the cause, we raised £1,400.
The funds will be split between London Youth Rowing (LYR), an organisation that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience the joy of rowing, and the Da'aro Youth Project, a wonderful community-led charity supporting young asylum seekers and refugees arriving alone in the UK from the Horn of Africa.
Our week-long challenge kicked off last Monday with a 5km group riverside run in Richmond, and ended with a well-deserved trip to the nearest pub. And from there on, completing the distance became an individual battle, with some members going for early morning runs each day, while others ditched the train for a bicycle commute.
Knowing that we have all been in it together has been really motivating, especially when the achy muscles kicked in. From swimming nearly 200 lengths to disco spinning, it's been a satisfying and sweaty experience for me! When clocking up the kms in the pool and park, my mind has wandered many a time to food...what breakfast will I devour after this?
These thoughts have been a constant reminder of how important it is to have access to healthy and tasty food, so we feel good and have energy for the day. That's why fundraising for Da'aro Youth has felt very close to our SFM hearts - knowing the funds will go towards their wonderful Injera Club where young asylum seekers have a have a home-cooked meal, socialise, enjoy activities and have support to navigate the complex asylum system. Our legs are scrambled but our spirits are high - thank you so much to everyone who donated!
Written by Hope