Jody's Story

What inspired you to start fundraising for Age UK Hertfordshire?

"I always pride myself on having a positive impact on others; this is one of my core values and beliefs. Older people and the vulnerable community have always held a special place in my heart for many reasons and I am conscious of how fortunate I am to have a great circle of friends and family around me, so if there is ever an opportunity to give back and support those with less, I am always keen to be involved."

What was your fundraising project?

"During the peak of COVID-19, there was an opportunity to be involved with the 2.6 challenge - due to the cancellation of the London Marathon 2020, charities were concerned financially about the impact it would have. I decided to complete the 2.6 challenge for Age UK Hertfordshire and run a minimum of 2.6 miles every day for 26 days straight. In total, I ran 80 miles and raised over £1,400 for Age UK Hertfordshire."

How did you gain support?

"I used my Instagram account to firstly keep me accountable to ensure I ran everyday, but secondly to promote the challenge to my networks! Aside from this I circulated my Just Giving page to work colleagues and family and the support was incredible!!"

What was the best part about your fundraising journey?

"By far it was the support of my friends and family, the encouragement to keep me going was amazing, and I felt proud to have such a great support network around me."

How would you sum up your fundraising experience?

"To know that I was having a positive impact on even one person's COVID-19 experience, was the drive I needed to keep running."