Banburyshire teen completes 25k fundraising challenge to help local pub

A Banburyshire teenager completed a 25k run fundraising challenge to help her community pub during the difficult times of coronavirus lockdown.
By Matt Elofson
Published 29th May 2020, 18:21 BST
Updated 30th May 2020, 09:02 BST
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Holly Walters, aged 17, completed the 25k challenge on Sunday May 24, and raised more than £1,300 for her local, The Fox at Farthinghoe pub.

Holly said: "Luckily the weather was fine and sun came out, although at times I was fighting the wind.

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"My family came to support along with some people from the village which was a huge help thank you.

Holly Walters comnpleted a 25k fundraising challenge to help her community pub during the lockdownHolly Walters comnpleted a 25k fundraising challenge to help her community pub during the lockdown
Holly Walters comnpleted a 25k fundraising challenge to help her community pub during the lockdown

"Once completed I was treated to a burger and a glass of bubbles at home.

"The best bit by far was giving Scott and Sarah the cheque. They were so grateful to everyone for being so generous and thoughtful.

"Thank you to everyone that was able to support me on my run and helping Scott and Sarah at a very tricky time."

Scott and Sarah Pemberton run The Fox at Farthinghoe pub.

The circuit Holly ran is just outside Farthinghoe at Hinton airfield as its been closed during lockdown.The circuit Holly ran is just outside Farthinghoe at Hinton airfield as its been closed during lockdown.
The circuit Holly ran is just outside Farthinghoe at Hinton airfield as its been closed during lockdown.
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Sarah said: "Since lock down The Fox has been offering take away meals to the village and surrounding areas.

"We have had a pretty tough and challenging run, however, the support from our village has been pretty mind blowing.

"Luckily due to meals being a huge success we have managed to maintain a fantastic relationship with the villagers of Farthinghoe as most evenings we get the chance to have a socially distanced chat whilst they collect their meals form us.

"We have along side this, met lots of villagers we didn’t know at the beginning of lockdown.

Ella, Hollys sister and biggest supporter cheers her on during the fundraising challengeElla, Hollys sister and biggest supporter cheers her on during the fundraising challenge
Ella, Hollys sister and biggest supporter cheers her on during the fundraising challenge
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"One evening Holly came to collect some meals and we were having a discussion regarding the pub and the current situation.

"Holly found out that Scott and I were unable to get any financial help from the government and must have left feeling a little flat by our news.

"The next day we received a text message with the most amazing and unbelievable message from Holly saying she was going to run 25k to try and raise some money for me, Scott and the pub.

"We will be forever greatful for Hollys extreme generosity and selfless act. She truly is such a remarkable, lovely bundle of happiness and beauty and a friend for many years to come.

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"Hollys fundraising money will help us no end with bills, supplies, wet stock, dry stock, wages - etc.

"We are hoping to be back on our feet again soon but until then, we will continue to offer takeaway meals to the lovely little village and beautiful people of Farthinghoe."