Mum-of-three’s virtual London Marathon around Midhurst raises nearly £6,000 for charity

An Easebourne mum-of-three has raised nearly £6,000 for charity by taking on the virtual London Marathon on Sunday (October 4).
By James Connaughton
Published 8th Oct 2020, 10:03 BST
Updated 8th Oct 2020, 10:34 BST
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Sophie Crawford, of Hollist Lane, took on a 26.2-mile route around Midhurst after the marathon in the capital was cancelled for all but the elite runners this year.

The 51-year-old cook has raised £5,819.25, including gift aid, for Petersfield family support charity Home-Start Butser.

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Sophie said: “I have been volunteering for Home-start Butser for two years and thought it very fitting to be raising money for such an important charity.

Sophie Crawford at the finishing line at the Cowdray Ruins with her 16-year-old son Archie CrawfordSophie Crawford at the finishing line at the Cowdray Ruins with her 16-year-old son Archie Crawford
Sophie Crawford at the finishing line at the Cowdray Ruins with her 16-year-old son Archie Crawford

“It costs £1,200 to support a family for one year, so the money raised means another four families can be supported which is wonderful.”

Sophie, who is a member of the Midhurst Milers running group, ran her first marathon in 2009 and had vowed she would never do it again, until she was awarded the club’s ballot place in December.

She did four loops of the town, starting at the Grange and finishing at the Cowdray Ruins, and completed her marathon in four hours, 50 minutes.

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The Midhurst Milers supported her throughout and 28 runners joined her, at a safe distance, during the run – some for one or two loops, but one fellow member did all 26.2 miles with Sophie.

Sophie Crawford before the marathonSophie Crawford before the marathon
Sophie Crawford before the marathon

To donate to Sophie’s fundraiser for Home-Start Butser visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SophieCrawford

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Sophie Crawford running through a large puddle in StedhamSophie Crawford running through a large puddle in Stedham
Sophie Crawford running through a large puddle in Stedham

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Related topics:MidhurstHome-Start