A YOUNG woman from Sandford is hoping to become the youngest female ever to have run the length of Great Britain.
Betsy Board, 21, who is just about to graduate from Cardiff University with a degree in law, will attempt to run 1,330 kilometres (about 826 miles) from John O’Groats to Land’s End in three weeks.
Starting on Monday, July 29, she aims to raise £5,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.
Her route will take her through Crediton and other local towns and villages, and she has invited people to run or cycle alongside her.
Ms Board said: “After a year of brainstorming, planning and training, I am super excited to announce that on July 29, I will be starting the 1,330-kilometre run from John O’Groats to Land’s End, in a bid to become the youngest female ever to have run the length of Great Britain!
“I will be running an average of 63 kilometres [about 39 miles] a day for 21 days to gain the record, all the while supported by family members and friends.
“I’d love people to come and run or cycle alongside me at any stage.
“I’ll be passing through Uffculme, Willand, Cullompton, Bradninch, Silverton, Thorverton, Crediton, Bow and Okehampton and would love some company!
“Rest assured, I won’t be going very fast so come along for the plod.
“As part of the challenge, I will be raising money for Children's Hospice South West, a charity dedicated to providing hospice care for children and young people living with life-limiting conditions.
“Any donation, no matter how big or small would be gratefully received by both myself and the charity.”
Ms Board has raised £715 for the charity at the time of writing.
“Children's Hospice South West are always thrilled when supporters raise money for us,” Area Fundraiser for Little Bridge House, Barnstaple Gubs Hayer said.
“Even more so when they attempt record-breaking challenges like Betsy is doing by running from John O'Groats to Land’s End.
“We support over 500 families a year across our three hospices in the South West and money raised will ensure we can continue to provide a place for families to rest, recuperate and recover from the day-to-day stresses of looking after a child with life-limiting conditions.
“Our hospices provide a much-needed break from the ongoing strains of caring for their children at home, juggling professional and medical appointments as well as maintaining family life and employment.
“In the main, we provide respite, the chance for families to get away from it all, but we also offer emergency and palliative care in a peaceful and comfortable setting.
“To have supporters like Betsy who challenge themselves in this way highlights the lengths our supporters are willing to go to in order to allow us to continue supporting our families.”
You can stay up to date with Betsy’s progress on her Facebook page Betsy’s World Record JOGLE or on Instagram at betsy.runs.jogle.
If you would like to donate, you can visit her JustGiving page here: justgiving.com/page/betsy-board-1719060608393.