This summer, two of our IGNIFI team members have decided to challenge themselves for a good cause. While Senior Creative Designer Frank Taylor set a goal to walk to 310,000 steps in August, our Digital Designer Lucy Rimmer completed the Great North Run. In this blog, we learn more about their fundraising efforts.
Frank’s step challenge
Throughout August, Frank decided to raise money for two charities that are very close to the hearts of the IGNIFI team: Macmillan Cancer Support and the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan. Along with his wife Sandra, Frank’s goal was to walk 10,000 steps every day of the month.
“Cancer affects so many of us – so I asked an inspirational friend who’s currently going through treatment to name her chosen charities. August is my birthday month so it seemed as good a time as any to get out there and do something. Since taking part in the Great North Run a few years ago, my knees have retired from jogging, so a walking challenge was chosen. We were very lucky weather wise, only being rained on twice during the month. Our usual route, around the houses and parks nearby, got pounded several times, but we also made it to the beautiful Northumberland coast, Bamburgh beach and our favourite walk, Low Newton to Craster via Dunstanburgh Castle. On weekends and days off we reached our target of 10,000 steps without too much trouble but on work days, additional effort was required – sitting at a computer doesn’t use up many steps! We’re amazed by the generosity of our friends, family and colleagues. Thanks so much to everyone who donated.”
By the end of the month, Frank had smashed his step goal, reaching a total of 366,826 steps (with an average of 11,833 per day) and currently has raised an impressive £449 split between the two charities.
Lucy’s half marathon
This year, Lucy decided to take on an iconic local event: the Great North Run. While her fundraising efforts stepped up in the month leading up to the race (including setting up a sweet shop in the IGNIFI office), Lucy has been preparing herself for a long time – starting her training in February 2022 after joining a local running group called These Girls Can Run.
“Every year I watch the Great North Run on TV and say to myself “one year that will be me”. I had never run before but decided to complete the GNR as one of my 30 things to do before I turn 30 for Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK has a special place in my heart, and I ran in celebration of some amazing women in my life. I knew I would need some help to improve my fitness before the big day and after searching online I found an all-women’s running group called These Girls Can Run. They introduced me to a new way of running that they call ‘jeffing’ (a type of interval running) and it was perfect for me. Every Sunday morning since February 2022 I’ve been following a running plan with the group to get ready for September.
The Great North Run was one of the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. When I ran over the finish line, I burst into tears which was a mixture of feeling both relief and pride for what I had just achieved. It was an amazing day and the support from people was overwhelming. It is something I will never forget.”
Lucy chose to raise money for Cancer Research UK, with her current total sitting at an incredible £1,120.36
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Posted by Rebecca Dargue
Health Science Content Writer
