Loughborough teenager raises thousands for hospice in memory of friend

A teenager has raised over £3,800 for Rainbows by running 100km in just one week in memory of a friend.

Solomon Clark (17) took on two gruelling runs a day, often powering on through storms, to raise funds for our hospice.

He said: “I lost one of my closest friends, Lauren, to cancer in November last year. She was 13. Rainbows was there to support her, and make her last days the best they could possibly be. They showed her love and I felt inclined, and wanted to give something back, in the best way I could.

“I also wanted to do something where people, who were as close to Lauren as I was, could donate and feel involved.”

Solomon, who is a keen runner, completed the challenge from February 14 to 20. He did two 7km runs each day and two 8km runs on the Sunday.

“Finding the motivation on some of the days was difficult,” said Solomon. “Especially on the days when storm Eunice hit and the weather in the morning was horrible. I’d wake up and hear it pounding down on the roof, and really not want to get up. But I did, I dug deep and got on with it. The recovery was the most important part, making sure I had enough energy to complete the runs.

“I am so pleased with the amount I raised and I am so grateful to everyone who has sponsored and supported me.”

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “Solomon has completed a very tough challenge and we can’t thank him enough for doing this for Rainbows. Even when it was tough, Solomon kept on going and it is thanks to supporters like him, that we can continue providing care for the children and young people who need it the most.”

To donate to Solomon’s fundraising, visit https://gofund.me/512e94f3