Banbury teenager launches 100k in 10 days running fundraiser challenge

Sophie Leney, a 16-year-old student at The Warriner School, launched the challenge this week as part of a fundraising campaign to raise money for an adventure camp this summer helping people in Costa Rica.

Sophie said: "I signed up to a four-week expedition with Camps International (through school) going to Costa Rica in July where I will be working with others on projects that will conserve, protect the environment and help the local community.

"The projects will be confirmed nearer the time, but for example, I could be working on anything from building classrooms (to improve access to education) or assisting with sea turtle conservation- or both - and much more."

But the trip costs money and Sophie had other fundraising plans to help fund it, but the Covid-19 pandemic has led her to launch the running challenge instead.

She added: "I like running – I usually run at least twice a week and complete distances of up to 8k, but I thought of this crazy idea to push myself whilst also raising funds for this amazing trip. Obviously, this will be a very tiring and difficult experience, but I am up for the challenge."

She launched the challenge on Monday February 1, and she is already nearly 50 per cent towards her fundraising target of £1,000.

Anyone who would like to contribute to Sophie's challenge can use the following JustGiving web link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rfznzf-100km-in-10-daysSophie added: "I am really looking forward to the expedition because I know it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I also love the fact that it helps people across the world.

"There is of course a possibility that travel may not be possible in the summer, but if this happens Camps International have said that they will try to reschedule the expedition to 2022. If for some reason I cannot go, I will make sure that all donations go to a worthwhile charity."