London Marathon participant Sophie Bradbury has successfully raised an impressive £1656.40 in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), a charity that held a special place in the heart of her late running mentor. Sophie’s fundraising efforts stand as a testament to her dedication, community spirit, and determination to make a difference in her mentor’s memory.
Sophie’s journey in the world of running commenced in 2018, as she embraced the sport as a new challenge. Seeking guidance and camaraderie, she found herself at the Askern District Running Club, where she crossed paths with Dave Collingwood. A seasoned running mentor with a wealth of coaching experience, Dave was known for his unwavering support for runners of all skill levels.
The passing of Dave Collingwood at the end of 2022 sent shockwaves through the local running community. Inspired by his memory and the impact he had on her running journey, Sophie decided to run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon in his honour, with the aim of raising funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance—a cause close to Dave and his family’s heart.
Sophie’s dedication, tireless training and fundraising efforts culminated in an impressive total of £1656.40 raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. These funds are earmarked to directly support the YAA’s mission of providing vital medical intervention and rapid transportation to patients in need – saving lives across the Yorkshire region.
At an emotional event that brought together members of the Askern Running Club, Sophie’s family, and Dave’s family, South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for YAA, Laura Lawton, had the honour of meeting Sophie in person to collect the funds raised and thank her for her efforts.
Laura expressed her heartfelt admiration for Sophie’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Sophie’s dedication to honouring Dave’s memory while supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance is truly inspiring. Her fundraising achievement will undoubtedly have a meaningful impact on our ability to continue saving lives across the region.“
Sophie’s journey, from a personal challenge to a meaningful tribute, encapsulates the power of individuals coming together to create a positive impact. Yorkshire Air Ambulance commends Sophie’s remarkable achievement and extends gratitude to all those who supported her on this heartfelt mission.
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