jessica's journey: monday 25th to friday 29th september 2017

We organised a fundraiser on behalf of a Cactus employee’s family, whose 3-year-old daughter, Jessica, was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer (Wilms' tumour).

The challenge involved 509 miles of running and cycling over five days to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. This hospital provided fantastic and instrumental treatment for Jessica.

As an organisation, we were dedicated to supporting BCH and its outstanding facilities, treatment, and care for children in the Midlands. To contribute, we participated in a company-wide 'Murderous Mileage Week,' where our team ran or cycled as many miles as possible to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Our team of intrepid exercisers who pledged to cycle and run 509 miles (equivalent to the distance from Truro to Edinburgh) across the week included:

Runners:

• Guy – Ran to and from work every day that week, totalling a colossal 64 miles – nearly 2.5 marathons!
• Jo – Also ran to and from work, achieving an impressive 45 miles in her trainers.
• Matt – Ran to and from work, amassing 30 miles of sweat and blisters.

Cyclists:

• Matt – Pledged an additional 20 miles on the bike, complementing his epic 30 running miles.
• Francesca – Opted for a cool 50 miles on the bike.
• Joe – Rode 10 miles a day, totalling 50 miles for the week.
• Leigh – Joined Joe in cycling 50 miles (not actually on a tandem!).
• Lauren – Completed another epic 50 miles.
• Ali – Brought his own pillow to soften the saddle for his amazing 50 miles.
• Emma – Joined the cycling team for another gruelling 50 miles.
• Becky – Pledged to complete 50 miles in honour of her daughter.
• Nicki – Heavily pregnant, she supported by filming as much as possible.