Rachel Surgener from Rothesay on the Isle of Bute is taking on the North Yorks Ultra Challenge, a 50K run along the stunning coastline from Scarborough to Whitby, next weekend (June 20th). She is hoping that her efforts will raise £300 for the British Liver Trust in memory of her grandad George.
“My grandad died from cirrhosis of the liver in September 2022,” says Rachel, 19, who works as a supervisor at the Kettledrum restaurant in Rothesay and is also a lifeguard. “He was a very sporty person who enjoyed cricket, canoeing and sailing. He always encouraged me with my running. He would drop me off at the start of longer runs or wait for me to finish, ready with biscuits and a drink.
“I wanted to raise funds in his memory which would help other people with their liver health and running seemed the obvious thing to do. When I ran the 50km ultra marathon distance for the first time last year I actually passed his gravestone, so I feel this distance commemorates him and would hope it makes him proud!
“It hasn’t been easy fitting in training around work and everyday life, particularly when I’ve had to fit in long runs in bad weather. But I really enjoy it. I’ve been using races as training runs, meeting lots of new people and learning from others who have given me great advice.”
Dan Painter Public Fundraising Manager at British Liver Trust commented: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health. But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that. We’re so grateful that Rachel is taking on the North Yorks Ultra Challenge to raise funds in her grandad’s memory. It’s a huge commitment to take on and we hope it proves a memorable experience!”
Rachel will be running the North Yorks Ultra Challenge on June 20. You can support her here Rachel Surgener is fundraising for British Liver Trust.
