A mum of 2 is taking on an ‘ultra challenge’ to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Jo has signed up to walk 50 kilometres with her sister Therese on April 6.
The challenge will see Jo and Therese set out on a route from Windsor Race Course towards Maidenhead. The route will take them in a loop back to the course before the pair head to Staines-upon-Thames and back.
This is not the first challenge that Jo, who runs JoJo’s face painting, has undertaken. During lockdown, she completed the Chiltern Challenge across the Chiltern Hills raising £1400 for charity.
Jo, from Emerson’s Green, Bristol, has been preparing for the event by going out on lengthy walks in her local area.
“I’ve been sent a training plan which has really helped,” she said.
But mostly I’ve been going out walking around Bristol to try and prepare. It’s about building up my pace and stamina for this event. I’ve been busy stomping the streets.
Jo completed the Chiltern Challenge in 12 hours 45 minutes and is hoping to beat that when she embarks on her Ultra Challenge next month. “I’d like for me and Therese to get around the route in a quicker time,” she said. “But it’s going to take some doing.”
Jo is no stranger to Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). Over the years she has supported many events, including Rainbow Run and Santa’s on the Run, with her face painting business. "We have visited Charlton Farm a number of times, speaking to the families, staff and volunteers," said Jo.
The work that is done at Charlton Farm is just incredible.
"Not just the support it gives to the affected children but the families and their siblings. The charity is also there to offer support including incredible aftercare. It offers so much to families.”
Jo has set up a Just Giving page with a target of £500 and has already raised £190.
Anyone wanting to support Jo in her challenge can donate at Joanne is fundraising for Children's Hospice South West (justgiving.com).
Children's Hospice South West has been caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions for over 30 years, providing children's hospice and professional family support services.
The charity provides care and support to families living in the South West, who have children with life-limiting conditions including specialist palliative and hospice care for the whole family, a sibling support service for brothers and sisters, emergency support, end of life care, and a bereavement service. To find out more about fundraising for CHSW please visit www.chsw.org.uk/getinvolved.