Could you run from Jersey's hospital to Southampton?

Sunday 30 January 2022

Islanders are being challenged to walk, run or jog 164 miles to raise money for a charity that provides emotional and financial support to the families of sick children having to travel that distance from Jersey Hospital to Southampton.

The challenge has been set by the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation.

It was set up in January 2011 in memory of Grace Crocker, who passed away at 11 weeks old. She was born with hypo plastic left heart syndrome and needed open-heart surgery when she was just five days old. Her Jersey-based family had to move to Southampton for three months while she recovered.

Since then, the charity has helped numerous Jersey families with young loved ones needing UK treatment by providing emotional support and assistance with travel expenses, funded entirely by fundraising and donations. 

After a successful launch in 2021, the charity is bringing back its ‘164 Mile Challenge’ in February. 

It can be completed individually or in teams of between two and six, and participants are encouraged to break up their walks, runs or jogs across the 28 days, equivalent to six miles per day.

The challenge can be completed throughout February and can be tackled individually or in teams of between 2 and 6. The challenge is virtual so can be completed anywhere - inside, outside, alone or with friends and family. The miles can also be split in any way that suits your team, meaning anyone can get involved. 

“The event is free to enter but we ask that each participant aims to raise a minimum of £50 for The Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, so that we can reach even more local families needing our support in 2022,” the charity explained.

“Fundraising is easy, and every participant will be given their own online fundraising page. There will also be some fantastic prizes for our top fundraisers and there will be high-vis merchandise for anyone planning their walks in the dark. Donations can also be made on the event page for those who cannot take part but still wish to support the event.”

Register to take part in the fundraiser, which is sponsored by Brooks Macdonald, HERE.