UK Men’s Sheds would like to say a big thank you to Alison Farthing, who challenged herself to complete a ‘Splash and Dash’ in February 2022 in memory of her younger brother, Steve, raising sponsorship for UK Men’s Sheds. Alison’s challenge involved her either running 5k around her local village, or swimming a mile in her local open pool every single day throughout February this year.
Alison said “I wasn’t looking forward to the start of February. My brother died the day before his birthday in February 2021, and I wanted to do something in his memory, for an organisation that might have benefitted someone like him. I remember Steve as a tall, kind, very generous kid-brother who always allowed me to play with him. He was sporty –a badminton player, and always loved weird science stuff that would go over my head.
Sadly through a combination of family losses, life events, a stressful job and poor choices around alcohol, Steve became isolated from his family and friends. He wasn’t good at asking for help and poor health compounded by Covid restrictions led to his premature death at just 53. When looking for who to raise money for, I came across UK Men’s Sheds and saw that Sheds are safe spaces where men can open up over a cup of tea if they want to, or just build something, which can also help. Perhaps a Shed would have helped by brother through some tough times.
My challenge included 4 park runs. “I loved the fresh air and feeling fitter each day (though I ruined my running shoes and had to invest in new ones!!). I also supported the local outdoor swimming pool and cafe by going 3 times a week then eating cakes and breakfasts afterwards.”
Alison ran an impressive 60 miles, and swam 10 throughout February, sometimes on her own, but often with support of friends and others in her community. UK Men’s Sheds would like to thank her for raising an impressive £2,050 to support the work of UK Men’s Sheds. Her fundraising page is still open at gofund.me/f86cd600 if others would still like to donate.