Nunhead mum is running 81 miles in two days to raise money in her father’s memory

Kirsty Wright will be running 81 miles from her home in Nunhead to her father’s old house in Essex, to raise money for the Evelina Children’s Hospital who care for her daughter.

On September 12, Kirsty will commemorate the 10th anniversary of her father Graeme’s death through a mighty two-day challenge, ending up in Walton-on-Naze in Essex.

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Kirsty is raising money for the Evelina Children’s Hospital, near Westminster Bridge, who care for her eldest daughter, Ali, who suffers from urological issues and has required surgeries.

Kirsty and her children: Ali, aged 9 and Flo, aged 7. Photo supplied by Kirsty Wright

Stopping only after 50 miles for an overnight stay in Colchester, Kirsty, has increased the journey’s mileage. What should be 75 miles has turned into 81, after she has added a few scenic stops to commemorate the fact her father would be 81-years-old this year.

Kirsty has been running for twenty years and before having children, she had completed ten marathons, including racing the London Marathon four times by earning guaranteed entry with a Good For Age place. But she has never ran farther than the 26 miles and her running journey stopped when she got pregnant ten years ago. Since then, she hasn’t run more than ten miles, until now.

“I can’t sit still and am slightly competitive so this seemed like the perfect way to mark the anniversary,” Kirsty tells us. “He’d have not condoned the challenge in any way and would much prefer I celebrate with a steak and a glass of wine, but I’ll be doing that once I’ve finished!”

The challenge was concocted at the start of this year but unfortunately after fracturing her foot just before Easter, Kirsty was unsure whether it was still achievable. But over the past month training has proved otherwise and she will not be defeated.

“Although I have run long distances before, this is a totally different kettle of fish and the prospect of running not one but two ultra marathons in two consecutive days is absolutely terrifying!,” Kirsty said.

“On the first day I will be attempting almost two marathons in one go, and the second day will be a marathon plus another five miles.”