British athletes lend support to new EACH fundraising campaign

British Athletes Iona Lake and Iain Dawson from, stars of the 3,000m steeplechase and paratriathlon respectively, are encouraging people to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by backing the charity’s latest fundraising campaign, EACH Mile Counts.

The idea is that people take on a sporting challenge, doing it their way and in their time. It might involve swimming the length of the River Great Ouse at a community pool or running the distance of the London Marathon throughout the course of April.

EACH wants people to track how many miles they cover on its website, where a ‘wall of fame’ will show who is taking part and what they are doing. There will also be a totaliser keeping track of the collective amount of miles covered. EACH hopes to see it hit at least 5,000 as the charity offers its free care and support to children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, across an area of approximately 5,000 square miles.

Iona was the British champion in her event in 2017. Last year, she made her Commonwealth Games debut in Australia’s Gold Coast, placing eighth in the final. She would typically run at least 55 miles each week in training.

She said: “EACH Mile Counts sounds like a great campaign and I’m looking forward to getting involved and helping support EACH.”

Iain is a three-time world and three-time European paratriathlon champion. He was a cyclist before taking up triathlon and represented Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. Iain varies his training depending on what events he has coming up, but typically swims six miles, runs 25-30 miles and cycles 100 miles each week.

He said: “I’m delighted to be able to support EACH. Every mile covered will mean vital support being raised.”

Carol Plunkett, EACH Norfolk Fundraising Manager, said: “This is a great, big virtual event anyone and everyone can get involved in as it’s all about your challenge, your way. Take on a challenge that’s difficult for you, irrespective of how difficult it may be to others, and help us continue our vital work.

“It’s really simple to get involved and our wall of fame, as well as featuring your name and a photo, will allow you to write about your challenge. There’s also the facility to make a donation and/or pay in sponsorship money.

“This campaign also serves to highlight that more than half the care and support we deliver is out in the community, in family homes and hospitals, with our staff constantly on the move across the 5,000-plus square miles of East Anglia.

“All money raised will go towards this crucial service we provide for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families.”

For more information about EACH Mile Counts, to get inspired and get involved, go to www.each.org.uk/EACH-Mile-Counts now.

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