Banburyshire woman running Medical Marathon challenge to support the NHS

Rachael Sheppard, from Over Worton, plans to take on the 'Medical Marathon' challenge with her friend, Sam Padfield along with her dog, 'Small' a border collie, this Sunday June 28.

They plan to start the 24.4-mile challenge at 7am at Banbury's Horton General Hospital then their route will take them to Bodicote, Adderbury and Deddington then onto the Banbury to Oxford Main Road to the Blechington turn, then onto Islip, Woodeaton and then to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Rachael said: "I started running just over two years ago because my friend Kira Connor lost her 3-year-old daughter to Mitochondrial disease, and I decided to raise money for The Lily Foundation charity by running 10 half marathons and two full marathons last year.

"I was planning on running in various races this year then Covid 19 happened and everything was cancelled.

"So I then decided I wanted to show my appreciation to the NHS and say thank you for all their hard work.

"I was talking to Kira one evening, and she suggested I should run from Banbury Horton Hospital to the JR Oxford hospital. So I decided I had to do it, and asked a few friends if they wanted to join me, most said no, but one friend Sam Padfield said yes. So we then set the date 28th of June."

The pair will be running the 24.4 miles raising money for the NHS charities together charity.

While they have already passed the £500 fundraising target they would like to raise as much money as possible for the NHS charity.

Anyone who would like to donate to the 'Medical Challenge' can contribute through the following Virgin Money Giving web page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=RachaelSheppard&pageUrl=3Ginny Howe, Rachael's sister who is supporting her in the challenge, said: "As a family we have all been dependent on the NHS over the years, and its great to give something back, especially in the current situation."