The Reigate Couple Going The Extra Mile For Charity

An energetic and charitable couple from Reigate are going the extra mile and getting their cycle helmets and running shoes on to complete two high-energy fundraising events. The pair hope to raise money for charity St Catherine’s Hospice after staff at the local hospice cared for people close to the couple’s hearts’.

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Reigate’s James Butcher, 23 and Claire Hamer, also 23 are biking and running their way to raise money for Crawley-based St Catherine’s Hospice, a charity which aims to help everyone in West Sussex and East Surrey facing death to be more informed, receive support and be given pain-free care. With one event down, James and Claire are now one month away from their next event, Run Reigate Half Marathon.

Claire, explains why the pair decided to take on both of the grueling challenges: “We’ve always wanted to take part in the London to Brighton bike ride – we took the plunge this year and invested in decent bikes and took it on! We want to take part in the Reigate Half Marathon as in 2016 we took part in the Reigate 10km and now want a tougher challenge! We love the feeling when you get to the finish line!”

Speaking about the first event, the London to Brighton bike ride which took place in June, James, said: “Our family and friends were really supportive, they think we’re crazy, but they’re really supportive. Claire’s dad was on car duty for the London to Brighton bike ride and dropped us in Clapham at 7am on Father’s Day, he then met us in Brighton to bring us home with Claire’s mum, brother and a friend.”

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One Challenge Down, One To Go…
Ahead of next month’s Run Reigate Half Marathon, on Sunday, September 16, Claire and James can be satisfied that they have one of their challenges under their belts already. On Sunday, June 17  the couple completed the London to Brighton bike ride in five hours and 17 minutes. For more information about their upcoming challenge, the Run Reigate Half Marathon, visit: www.runreigate.com

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The challenges have required meticulous planning and preparation, and Claire and James have been doing their bit to ensure they are ready, Claire, says: “Before the cycle ride we were going
on 30 – 40 mile bike rides every Sunday in preparation! For the Reigate Half Marathon we are hoping to go for at least two runs a-week to prepare, and we also take part in the Park Run on Saturdays in Priory Park.”

The challenges are much more than just physical, they are about raising money for an important cause to both James and Claire. James’ grandfather spent his last days at St Catherine’s. The
couple want to help the hospice to continue its work to help people be as comfortable as they can be in their final days.

So as the pair face their next fundraiser, what keeps them going? They say: “Just that we always try to encourage each other to push further and not to give up when the challenge becomes too difficult!”

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Help Claire & James Go Even Further

You can help Claire and James’ fundraising go even further, and you do not need break a sweat! To donate to their energetic efforts for St Catherine’s Hospice, visit: www.gofundme.com/jamesandclaire

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By Jacob White