The Captain Tom 100 Challenge has inspired a Bridgend woman to run 100 loops of a local Strava segment, to support her nephew, who has Becker muscular dystrophy
Gemma Howlett-Matthews will run 100 laps of a 300m loop, running a total of 42km between Friday 30 April and Monday 3 May
A regular runner, the challenge here for Gemma, is to run in circles, rather than her normal long distances
Her loop is 0.26 miles or 0.42km, so total mileage will be 26 miles or 42km over the 4 days
She is fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) to help provide support and equipment for people like her nephew Charlie
Gemma’s nephew Charlie was diagnosed with Floppy Baby Syndrome soon after his birth. After several blood tests and a muscle biopsy, he was re-diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy.
Gemma, a civil servant, said: “MDUK is very close to my heart. Charlie was has overcome huge obstacles and continues to amaze everyone with his progress. MDUK help to provide support and equipment to those who need it and continue to the research to help children and adults living with the condition.
I am hoping to complete the challenge within four and a half hours, but there may be a little walking on the 3rd and 4thday! Charlie is hoping to join me on my last lap, and we will walk the last lap together. This is the first time I have fundraised for MDUK, but I have taken part in running challenges before, although not on 4 consecutive days!”
The Captain Tom 100 Challenge is organised by The Captain Tom Foundation following his raising an incredible £38.9 million for the NHS Covid-19 appeal.
Friday 30 April would have been his 101st birthday and to honour him and his amazing achievements, people of all ages and abilities are taking part in the Captain Tom 100.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on charities with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income. At a time when vulnerable members of society need them most charities have had to cut services, furlough staff and some have even shut down. I will be celebrating the extraordinary spirit of Captain Tom in my way and to help my chosen charity.”
Emma Watkins, MDUK Emma Watkins, MDUK Product Development Executive, said: “Thank you Tony for your Captain Tom 100 challenge – and fundraising for MDUK. We hope it will inspire others to take on their own Captain Tom 100.”
You can support Gemma here
