A MUM has completed her unique 52 parkrun challenge and raised more than £12,600 for Wales Air Ambulance.
Sally Smith, 43, completed her last run - around the bypass in Ruthin - on Saturday, August 29.
About 50 supporters, including Mia Roberts and Sophie Davies, joined Sally for her final run. Many were in their own bubbles and social distancing was adhered to as people chose to walk or run the route.
Sally, of Ruthin, set the challenge - to complete a parkrun every Saturday for a year - following an accident in June 2019 on the B5105 between Efenechtyd and Ruthin.
Full of joy! Sally with friend Manon
Olivia Alkir, from the Efenechtyd area, died in the crash. Mia Roberts and Sophie Davies were also involved and needed life-saving surgery for their internal injuries.
They were both in Stoke’s critical care unit in under 30 minutes, thanks to the Wales Air Ambulance.
Sally said: “We all met at Ruthin Football Club. Everyone was in their relevant bubbles. I am in a bubble with my friend Manon Wilkinson [Manon has been supporting Sally in her challenge.
“We have to do a 5k. People ran or walked in their groups and we did two loops of the bypass.
Crossing the finish line! And Sally with her bucket
“I took a bucket on the day and made £60 which was brilliant.
“When we got back, Mia and Sophie presented myself and Manon with a bouquet and Sarah, Carys’s mum who is friends with the girls, put ‘52 balloons’ at the finish line which was so lovely.”
Sally, who has son Kieran, who is friends with both Mia and Sophie, said she feels a bit sad now the challenge has come to an end.
52 parkruns mascot - Milo!
She also commented there had been friendships formed over last 12 months that will last a lifetimey.
“There is a Welsh word called di-gallon where you feel a bit...downhearted,” she added.
Manon with daughters Erin and Beca
“With the current situation, we couldn’t have a party.
“My life for the past 12 months has been planned around the parkruns. It has been 52 weeks, there is only 10 weeks where we have had to complete it on our own.
“The whole town has got behind us.
Sally's niece, mum and Sophie's dad Steve
“There was a time we thought we would struggle to get to £2,000 and now we are at £12,000.
“I will fundraise again for the Wales Air Ambulance. I’ve fallen in love with them.”
Mia's family
There is still time to donate. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sallysmith52parkruns
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