Jane George, a member of administrative staff at Treloar’s in Alton, Hampshire, is taking on a mammoth challenge to raise funds for Treloar Trust, the charity which funds vital services for the school and college students.

Jane has committed throughout May to run, walk and cycle for a total of 260km, the equivalent of 6 marathons, as part of the 2.6 Challenge which was launched last month.  The 2.6 Challenge is a nationwide campaign to support UK charities with the shortfall in event fundraising income in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Jane has worked at Treloar’s for four years, providing admin support for the support staff and managers of residential accommodation Gauvain House.

On choosing her incredible challenge she said:

“I enjoy exercising a lot and do like a challenge. When lockdown started, I was so relieved to hear we were still able to go out and exercise daily – and the weather has been glorious!

Like most people, I feel quite sad when I think about the effect the pandemic is having on so many people and organisations both now and in the future, especially charities.

I thought this challenge would be a positive way of helping Treloar’s which is very close to my heart.”

So far, Jane has completed four of the six marathons, clocking up over 180km. She has raised over £500 but is hoping to raise as much as possible before the end of her challenge.

“I’ve enjoyed doing the challenge immensely. It’s helped me to be really disciplined and to push myself a bit more. It’s fun to feel a sense of achievement as I see the numbers go up.

I may allow myself the odd glass or two to celebrate when I’ve finished, and I’ll probably miss the challenge when it’s over!”

Just before lockdown, Jane’s granddaughter was born and so the challenge has also helped her cope with missing seeing her family.

To donate to Jane’s fundraising challenge, and keep up with her progress, visithttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-george14

Treloar’s based in Alton, Hampshire, has launched its own fun  virtual challenge to raise vital funds during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Step Up For Treloar’s was launched on Monday 11 May to encourage supporters to take on a simple challenge of completing 1,907 steps in any way they wish such as walking, running or climbing steps at home. This number is to celebrate the year that the charity Treloar Trust was founded.

After completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to donate £5 to a special Step Up For Treloar’s JustGiving page and nominate two friends or family to take on the challenge as well.

Money raised from the challenge will go towards supporting the costs of the vital trips that Treloar’s transport team are carrying out to deliver equipment, medicine and supplies to vulnerable students who are shielding with their families at home.

Simon Birch, CEO of Treloar’s said:

“In April, over 100 deliveries were made across the country, crossing thousands of miles, with our fantastic transport team working around the clock six days a week.

Each trip costs on average £70, and these costs are not covered by any other funding. The costs continue to increase as more of our students need our help.”

To find out more about the Step Up For Treloar’s challenge and to take part, visithttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/step-up-for-treloars.

Poppy Jones, 14, from Crickhowell, Powys, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy has set herself a goal to do a half-marathon of laps in her garden to raise money for Treloar’s in Alton, Hampshire.

She previously took on the first Brighton Marathon in 2017 with her father and brother who pushed her specially adapted chair around the hilly course.

Poppy has received enthusiastic support for her latest challenge from Treloar’s Patron Alan Titchmarsh MBE DL.

As part of his Love Your Garden series, in 2012, Titchmarsh redesigned a garden for Poppy and her family to enjoy as Poppy is unable to travel.  He said:

“Poppy is proving that gardens are a great way of improving lives – not only by the peace, tranquillity and sustenance they offer, but also allowing endeavours like Poppy’s half-marathon to go ahead and help organisations like Treloar’s which do such vital work in the community.  Well done Poppy!”

Poppy has set herself the challenge to support the work of Treloar’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said:

“I wanted to help Treloar’s with their COVID-19 appeal. Just like other charities, Treloar’s needs help to help young people like me during lockdown”

Rob Jones, Poppy’s father said:

“Poppy is fitting in laps with her busy home schooling timetable and daily support by Treloar’s. Treloar’s is keeping her busy with all curriculum subjects and provided a communication aid to assist. The teachers and therapists are great”.

To donate to Poppy’s challenge, please visit treloar.org.uk/donate.