What is a CVathon?
It is a 24 hour Cardiovascular challenge. And that is what happened for Charity at The Club at Chilworth Manor from 8p.m. Friday 25th September to 8 p.m. Saturday 26th September 2015.
Kris Hillary, Club Manager, and Mark Pedley, local businessman, asked friends and Club members to go through the pain barrier to raise much needed funds for Marie Curie, and a local girl Sophia Banger in Chandler’s Ford.
Sophia, in her Sophia’s Footsteps Facebook page, says, “Help make my dreams come true… help make me walk like you!”
Both Kris and Mark have lost a friend and close family members to cancer. Luckily through the quality end of life care provided by Marie Curie nurses, these patients could spend their final days in the comfort of their own home surrounded by their loved ones.
Inspirational Sophia Banger
10-year-old Sophia is the daughter of ex Saints star Nicky Banger, and is a pupil at Hiltingbury Junior school.
Sophia was born three months premature in November 2004. She cannot walk unaided at present due to spastic diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy.
This fundraiser aimed to provide her with the funds needed to buy a piece of specialist wheelchair equipment.
Sophia inspires everyone who knows her with her own charity work for others.
Some of the “CVathoners” have taken part in this sort of challenge before so knew what to expect. Others were just keen to see if they could last the pace.
In 6 teams of four our intrepid fitness fanatics took turns on treadmills, cycling, rowing and spinning machines. Half an hour exertion every 2 hours might seem possible to some but try doing that for 24 hours and you will soon see how draining that is without much sleep.
Chilworth Manor kindly laid on a “quiet area” where some tried to sleep between sessions but the adrenalin meant not much sleeping was done. Light refreshments and suitable sustaining foodstuffs were also provided by the Hotel. Mark’s sister Karen was on hand to administer sports massages as the going got tough for some.
Marie Curie volunteers and Sophia and her family were there to cheer on the participants and do some timekeeping. Sponsors and supporters tweeted their support.
The final countdown as the clock ticked down the final minutes and seconds will live long in the memory for all who gathered to raise the roof and head to the pub to toast the success.
The amount raised so far, including gift aid, is in excess of £13,000. This figure exceeded Kris and Mark’s wildest dreams.
“The best team I have ever been involved with,” said Mark.
“Thanks to everyone for their support,” said Kris, “Such a rewarding and wonderful event and I am so pleased to be able to provide Sophia with the help she needs on the next part of her journey.”
On behalf of both charities I thanked everyone who took part: “All taking part should be proud as so many people will benefit from their efforts.”
If you wish to donate please do so via Kris Hillary’s Just Giving page.
Related posts:
- Marie Curie And Sainsbury’s Eastleigh
- Marie Curie Local Fundraising: Successful First Year
- Marie Curie Fundraising Success At Chandler’s Ford Asante
- Marie Curie – Care For A Cuppa
- Fryern Funtasia 2014: Marie Curie for Betty Heath
- Fundraising Success For Marie Curie Nurses
- Marie Curie For Chandler’s Ford And Eastleigh
Never miss out on another blog post. Subscribe here:
Leave a Reply