Determined St Albans mum raises nearly £1,300 for homeless charity
Caroline Young on December 1 - Credit: Archant
A determined mum has raised nearly £1,300 by running 5K a day around the city’s streets throughout December.
Caroline Young on December 10 - Credit: Archant
Caroline Young, 43, went out in gales, storms, snow, sleet, and rain to complete the challenge, which accumulates to nearly four marathons and 100 miles.
When it was icy she was forced to jog in the middle of the road to avoid the treacherous pavements.
Almost £1,300 in sponsorship is being donated to local homeless charity Centre 33.
She said: “The storm came, the ice came, the snow came, Christmas came and then I got cramps in my calves - it was tough because I didn’t get any rest days and I had to run continuously but I survived it and I managed to run, not walk.”
Caroline Young on Christmas Day, December 25 - Credit: Archant
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Caroline explained why she chose Centre 33 to benefit: “When the weather gets colder, I feel terrible if I walk past a homeless person and don’t give them money, so I thought what a better thing to do then help people in my local area without homes.
“It was tough but by the time I finished I could go and have a nice cup of tea in my home - but they can’t.”
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Caroline has two children aged 11 and nine, who came along for some of the runs.
She added: “My kids have even joined me a couple of times and they are beginning to understand how tough life is for some people and how they can’t warm up with a hot chocolate and a radiator.”
Caroline Young on the last day of the challenge, December 31 - Credit: Archant
Although Caroline has not carried on the challenge into January, she is looking for her next fundraising opportunity.
“I am really pleased [with the amount of money] because it is more than I ever hoped. The main thing was to get out, get fresh air, and do it for a good cause.”
On her donations page, people have praised her efforts.
Someone under the username The Greysmiths said: “I knew you could do it. Congratulations.”
An anonymous poster added: “Amazing and an inspiration to all of us. Loads of love.”
The Skeats commented: “Cazza you are awesome - a real inspiration and a great cause to raise money for. Well done and thanks.”
Centre 33 is based in Spicer Street and run entirely by a volunteers. It is a drop-in centre for homeless and disadvantaged people to come and relax, be social, and enjoy free refreshments.
