West Sussex couple to tackle Christmas Day marathon for charity
Helen and Matt are raising money for St Barnabas House
One West Sussex couple will be forsaking the Christmas lunch and instead getting their walking boots on - to tackle a 26.2 mile walk.
Helen Trott and Matt Grant from Upper Beeding will set off at 8am on Christmas Day on their journey from Arundel to Upper Beeding, along the South Downs Way.
The pair are taking on the challenge in aid of the St Barnabas House hospice, to support those who will be spending their day helping patients.
Helen said lacing up her walking boots was an easy decision:
“This year has been hard for a lot of people and I know charities have suffered with cancelled events and shops being closed, so I wanted to do something big to raise money St Barnabas House who have been there for close friends and family during devastating times, including my Nan and my best friend’s Mum.
“I love the outdoors and I thought a marathon length walk might be a good challenge that I can do locally.
"I was planning to do it alone but my partner, Matt, said he would like to spend the day with me, so he’s been breaking in his new walking boots!”
Rather than giving and receiving presents this year, the couple have been focusing their time and effort on training for the marathon walk as well as fundraising to try and reach their goal of £1,000 by Christmas Day.
Helen, who has set up a Facebook page called ‘Helen’s Rubbish’ collecting and recycling unwanted clothes, plastics and more for charity – believes that for some, “Christmas has become an excuse to buy excessively and waste excessively.” Which is why she has chosen to do something completely different this year and give back to a local charity at the same time.
“I do enjoy the Christmas dinner though! We’re hoping it’s nice weather so we can complete the challenge in eight hours, finishing the walk at my mum’s house in time for a steaming hot bath, comfy pyjamas, roast dinner and a few gins… in that order!”
Helen and Matt will be documenting their challenge on their public Instagram pages, @thenotsosecretlifeofhelen and @mattalphapack.
As of Christmas Eve morning, they'd managed to raise just over £1,100 for St Barnabas.
You can show your support by visiting Helen and Matt's JustGiving page.