A RAPHOE woman who is celebrating her 28th birthday this weekend is going the extra mile to fundraise for local charities.
Starting tomorrow, Louise Goudie is planning to run 2.8km each hour for a 24-hour period.
Louise begins her challenge at her home at 1pm on Saturday, when she’ll head for 1.4km and turn for home again. Each consecutive hour, Louise will do likewise – meaning by the end on Sunday lunchtime she’ll have completed a gruelling 67.2km.
All the money raised will go towards Donegal Domestic Violence Services and The Hope Centre, Derry.
“I was out running one day and just thought that I wouldn’t mind doing something for my birthday,” Louise told Donegal Daily.
“Around 24 to 25 of my friends have signed up to do the same. Some who are within the 5km radius will do it at different hours and then others will run 2.8km from their own homes.”
Louise first started training with Adam Speer at Speer Performance and last year competed the Waterside Half Marathon in Derry.
Already, Louise has raised over €1,400.
She said: “I only set this up last week and I can’t believe the response so far. There are so many people fundraising at the moment. It’s amazing. I only expected to raise around €500.”
Donegal Domestic Violence Services is a registered charity working with women and children affected by Domestic Abuse in county Donegal.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in domestic violence across the country. DDVS offer advice and support, as well as emergency accommodation. The money raised will go towards the general running of the services this charity provides.
The second beneficiary The Hope Centre, Derry. The Hope Centre – which Louise is involved with herself – has set up a drive-through food bank in an effort to help those who are struggling financially during the current crisis. As well as the drive-through food bank, they deliver food parcels to those who are isolated and unable to leave their homes at this time. The money raised will help ensure The Hope Centre can respond to the needs of the city in a practical way by purchasing food and toiletries for those who are struggling.
Louise said: “I’m involved with The Hope Centre through a local Church and I’ve always wanted to do something for them as they’re consistently doing the food bank and the clothes bank.
“I also wanted to do a local charity and the Donegal Domestic Violence Services was suggested. I thought they were a brilliant suggestion because of the work they’re doing and the rise in number of reports.”
To support Louise’s 28th Birthday Challenge, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/28km-birthday-challenge
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