He did it! Alex Bance smashed his 251-mile running challenge to raise more than £5,000 for Julia’s House.
The 44-year-old from Salisbury slept for just six hours with only 20-minute naps at a time to complete the route (which actually ended up being 263 miles) in just under 100 hours.
Alex was tracking the career journey of our charity’s namesake and inspiration, paediatric nurse Julia Perks, from Great Ormond Street Hospital to our hospice in Corfe Mullen and looping up to our Devizes hospice.
Fuelled by flasks of sugary tea and chicken sandwiches, and even some fish and chips by the coast, dad Alex crossed the finish line to applause from Julia’s House staff and families.
He was delighted to be presented with freshly baked cookies by Ellie, one of the children we care for, and said he found the whole experience very touching.
Alex, of Spire Injury Clinic, says, “I got emotional at the end because it hit me how hard I’d come and that it was over. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone at the end so that was really amazing.”
Fundraising Assistant Nicky Clack welcomed Alex over the finish line at our Devizes hospice.
Nicky says, “Alex has been an absolute trooper throughout and we’re so grateful to him for everything he’s done and does to raise vital funds and awareness for Julia’s House. It was a huge relief to have him back and congratulate with him!”
As a charity, more than 92% of the care we provide is funded by donations and fundraisers like Alex. Without this support our lifeline for local children and families would stop.
Well done, Alex, and a huge thank you from everyone at Julia’s House!
