Claire Fielding, eventing ambassador and supporter of Grub’s Boots, is no stranger to throwing herself in to challenges, and recently she completed one of her biggest tests to date, walking 100km in under 24 hours for Tom’s Trust.
Tom’s Trust was set up in memory of a young boy called Tom Whiteley who sadly lost his fight to cancer in November 2010, he was only nine-years-old.
With hard work and dedication the wonderful charity funds Clinical Psychologists to support children with brain tumours, something Claire holds close to her heart.
In September 2013, Claire’s five-year-old niece Phoenix, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent major brain surgery three days after the consultation.
Phoenix has also endured 18 long months of chemotherapy, but the tumour unfortunately keeps making an appearance and over the recent school holidays underwent six weeks of proton therapy. But this brave little girl isn’t giving up without a fight and is now 10-years-old.
Claire decided she wanted to raise money for the charity that has helped the family during the difficult times and aided other poorly children.
The amazing staff at Tom’s Trust working alongside the Brainbow Trust at Addenbrooke’s hospital, Cambridge, have been brilliant.
And what task did Claire choose to challenge herself and raise money for this wonderful cause?
The South Coast Challenge – a 100km walk/jog in 24 hours!
This spectacular walk with stunning views started on August 25, 2018, at the seaside town of Eastbourne with the beautiful trek along the costal path over South Downs Way and finishing at Arundel.
Claire endured rocky paths, hilly climbs and complete darkness as it was a 24 hour walk, whilst carrying all her supplies in a backpack.
There were plenty aches and pains, but not from Claire’s feet as she wore her Grub’s Discover Shoes which helped with support, as the feet sit deep into the sole, supporting the arch and cradling the heel so there was no discomfort.
The shoes are also waterproof so Claire’s feet stayed dry with the morning due on the grass when she came to finish her epic challenge.
Said Claire: “I finished the walk in under 23 hours, which I am so pleased about as all my training in the lead up to this event has paid off.
“This was a great task for me as I love walking anyway, but I knew The South Coast Challenge would be a whole new level, and I needed something I could really throw myself into and help raise money for this wonderful charity, and for my beautiful niece who inspires me every day!”
To donate visit Claire’s Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clairefielding10or visit the charities website to make a donation www.tomstrust.org.uk
