Willen Hospice has once again partnered up with local gym, energie Fitness MK, for their second Virtual 48 Hour Relay Run, following its success at the start of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

This year’s event will start at 8am on Friday 19 March, and finish at the same time on Sunday 21 March. Runners can run, walk or jog outside in their local area, in their garden, up and down the stairs, or around the living room in 20, 40, or 60-minute slots, before passing a ‘virtual’ baton onto the next runner via Zoom.  It’s just £5 per 20 minute time slot to take part, and runners are encouraged to gather sponsorship for their efforts.

Last year the event raised an incredible £14,000. This covers the total cost of running the Hospice for an entire day. This year, organisers hope to raise just as much, if not more.

Tracey Jago, Willen Hospice Events Manager, said: “We are so excited to be doing our 48 Hour Relay Run again, and this year the event will be marking the ‘anniversary’ of the first weekend we all spent in lockdown. We know people are finding it hard to muster up the same energy as the first lockdown, but we can guarantee that taking part in our 48 Hour Relay Run will give people a much-needed boost, both physically and mentally. Plus, you can now exercise outside with one person from another household – at a safe distance of course – so we’ve allowed two people to run at the same time this year.”

Claire Banbury, owner of energie Fitness based in Kiln Farm, “Last year’s virtual event surpassed our expectations when it raised such a huge amount for Willen Hospice. We think it struck a real chord with people and gave them the chance to put their allocated daily exercise to good use – and to raise funds for this important charity in Milton Keynes.

“This time, we are making the 48 Hour Relay Run even better by adding social events and to create a party atmosphere that people can join to cheer the runners as they set off, and to celebrate their achievements as they cross their virtual finish line.”

Willen Hospice needs to raise £4.7M every year, £9 a minute, to continue providing care to patients at the end of their lives, or with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their families. The pandemic had caused a huge drop in fundraising income, and at the same time the Hospice have broadened their caseload to help relieve pressure on the NHS and support the community during this challenging time.

The charity are incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses, like energie Fitness MK. Visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/relayrun to sign up to the challenge.