Family and friends of Ankoma Outreach — the charity founded by Eden couple Craig and Asha Richardson — clubbed together on Sunday to complete a 1,000 mile challenge.
One team, one day, 1,000 miles was the tagline for their latest fundraising effort for the charity which supports a small rural community in Ghana through developing health care, education and sanitation.
Asha, who lives in Kirkby Stephen with Craig and their son Lennox, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and it’s been amazing to see our community come together, especially during these strange times.
“I’m exhausted but so grateful for every single person who took part, it was an amazing achievement — roll on the 1,000 Mile Challenge 2021.”
Participants were encouraged to pledge their miles in advance and the aim was to collectively cover 1,000 miles, but the target was smashed as they reached 1,200 miles.
The youngest participants were just one-year-old, with the oldest in their 70s.
Some individuals pledged a mile while others pledged marathons — one volunteer even ran six miles in high heels.
Asha added: “Although COVID-19 is forcing everyone to be apart, they managed to ‘come together’ to hit their target.
“The majority of miles were covered here in Cumbria, but people took part from all over the UK and there were even some international miles too — a half-marathon was run in both Australia and Canada as part of the challenge.
“Plus, some of the children in Ankoma ran too.”
The team aimed to raise £1 per mile covered but has so far raised £5,000, which Asha said will go a long way in Ankoma.
