A mother and daughter are encouraging people across Leicestershire to take on a unique 26.2-mile challenge this May to support their local homelessness charity.
Sarah Butlin, from Burbage, is urging others to sign up to Big Marathon Month in aid of Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, which can be completed in small, manageable chunks across the month.
She will be taking part alongside her mum, Diane Butlin, covering the miles through regular dog walks throughout May.
Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland supports people who have experienced homelessness, or are at risk of it, to rebuild their lives and move forward. The charity works alongside each person to help them build skills, gain experience and take positive next steps towards greater independence.
Speaking about the challenge, Sarah said: “I liked the idea of doing something a bit different, and this is a marathon you don’t have to train for, which makes it feel much more doable. I’ll be building mine up through longer dog walks at Burbage Common and Fosse Meadows, so it’s easy to fit around everyday life.
“I’ve seen the difference Emmaus makes for people who have experienced homelessness, and as it’s a local charity that gives back to the community, it feels really important to support it. I’d love more people to get involved and give it a go.”
The idea behind Big Marathon Month is simple. Complete 26.2 miles, the distance of a marathon, at any point between 1–31 May. You can build this up in whatever way works for you, whether that’s walking, running, cycling or mixing different activities across the month.
Sarah first took part in 2020, when the challenge launched during lockdown, completing her miles on a treadmill at home. Now she is taking part again, this time outdoors, and is encouraging others locally to sign up and take part in their own way.
Sarah and Diane Butlin both volunteer at the Emporium charity shop on Stockwell Head in Hinckley, run by Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland. The Emporium is Hinckley’s largest charity shop, selling furniture, clothing, books, music and household items, with a free car park on site.
Participants in Big Marathon Month are encouraged to raise sponsorship, with milestone rewards available, including a free t-shirt for those who raise £50, and a medal for those who reach £100.
To find out more and sign up, visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/leicestershire-rutland/big-marathon.
