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The Toby Run with a Twist

Our friends at Wallsend Harriers didn’t let the current Covid-19 restrictions stop them from hosting their annual Toby Run, in support of St Oswald’s.

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Since 2008, the running club has completed a mammoth challenge each year and have currently raised over £33,000 in support of our work. In 2019 the club completed Whitehaven to Tynemouth and this year they has planned to complete the Sandstone Way in Northumberland, but 2020 had different plans.

Never defeated, the club decided to go virtual and complete the “Toby with a Twist” which saw 14 teams compete in groups of three, running together or individually to clock up as many miles as they could in three days. The team who covered the most miles on total would be crowned the winner.

We were amazed at the effort, generosity and dedication of everyone who got involved. As a club we covered a whopping 1291.66 miles which took us from Tynemouth down to the south of France, through Monaco, over the Italian border finishing up in Genoa.

Team 5, consisting of Paddy Dinsmore, Sarah Robson & Stephen Sayer were our winners of challenge one completing 100.54 miles over the weekend! It was no surprise that Stephen also recorded the highest individual total with an astonishing 43.66 miles!

Wallsend Harrier club member, Jen Berry, 31

We raised £1337 which is way more than we expected! It really just highlights what an outstanding club the Wallsend Harriers is. The dedication and team spirit of our green and golds is second to none and we’re proud to be members.

We asked participants and supporters to donate to our JustGiving page, many even donated a certain amount per mile they managed to run which was incredible to see. It’s been a brilliant and dedicated team effort from everyone involved and we can’t wait for next year’s challenge.

Husband & wife running duo Dave & Julie Collinson

Our fundraiser, Emily Corney finished:

“The Wallsend Harriers have supported us for many years and it’s such a shame we couldn’t go and meet the team to celebrate their incredible challenge this year. We’d like to say a huge thanks to Kevin at the Harriers for coming up with the idea to still complete the Toby Run but with a twist. Huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part, donated and spread the word, in support of St Oswald’s.”

Well done Wallsend Harriers, we think you are all amazing. On behalf of our patients and families, thank you for your support. Having our local community thinking of us and taking on challenges for us is what helps us to continue our work.

If you are inspired by Wallsend Harriers and would like to find out more about fundraising for the hospice, our team can support you all the way. Give us a call on 0191 246 9123 or email fundraising@stoswaldsuk.org for more information.

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