Running, cycling and singing against COVID-19
People around the country are doing some incredible things to support Oxford’s time-critical coronavirus research, from running multiple marathons to embarking on epic cycle rides, and even releasing music.
This brilliant bunch has already raised nearly £50,000 between them, but despite this huge achievement, there’s no sign of them slowing down just yet. Here are some of their stories.
A marathon a week
Led by volunteer nurse Debbie Newson, team Run Against COVID have set themselves an almighty challenge: to run one marathon a week until a vaccine for COVID-19 has been found.
Despite the size of the task they face, each runner is determined to do their bit. ‘As a team we can support each other and keep each other going when those marathon miles bite,’ explains Debbie. ‘We’re definitely stronger and more effective together.’
So far they’ve completed an impressive 28 marathons between them, and have already raised more than £3,300 towards their £10,000 target. Go team!
A 36 hour ‘coronathon’
School friends Annabel Eyres and Tiffany Jolowicz started out as running partners aged 16. Almost 40 years later, their partnership was renewed through a shared sense of shock and frustration. ‘Shock at the power of a single virus to change our day-to-day lives and frustration at the cancellation of many sporting events around the world,’ they explain.
Both passionate sportswomen (Annabel rowed for Team GB, competing in the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, while Tiffany is an avid marathon, ultramarathon and ironman triathlete), they decided that the best way to make a difference would be by doing what they love, and encouraging others to join them.
That’s why, over a 36 hour period at the end of July, Tiffany, Annabel and the rest of their global Coronathon team will be running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing in support of Oxford’s COVID-19 research. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join them: fast or slow, young or old, teams, families, individuals and corporates, the aim is simply to raise money and have some fun.
To find out more and sign up visit the Coronathon website, or head over to their Virgin Money Giving page if you’d like to help them reach their £30,000 fundraising target.
‘We lost a person whom we greatly admired to coronavirus so I am dedicating my Coronathon to Hans. Please join me in raising money for Oxford’s coronavirus research because we want to get the world back to “normal” as soon as possible.’
— Tiffany Jolowicz
A coronavirus anthem
Performed by world-renowned chamber choir Tenebrae and rising star Vuvu Mpofu, Hand of Hope is an uplifting, rallying anthem to mark this unprecedented moment. ‘It is a song for our times,’ explain its creators Piers Schmidt and Nigel Short, ‘conceived to unite communities in a harmonious mark of respect and to serve as a reminder for generations to come.’
With lyrics penned by one of the world’s most prolific writers, Alexander McCall Smith, the song celebrates the lives of those lost to COVID-19 and the key workers who continue to work tirelessly every day. 100% of all proceeds (donations and money raised from downloads) will go directly towards Oxford’s coronavirus research fund.
You can listen to the song below, and find out more about its creation on the Hand of Hope website or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
‘We are honoured that the anthem, with its beautiful lyrics and accompanying video, is raising funds to support Oxford’s ground-breaking research.’
— Helen McShane, Professor of Vaccinology, University of Oxford
A virtual cycle ride across America
Motivational speaker Bart Gee was born with a rare condition called arthrogryposis, which causes weak muscles and stiff joints. ‘When I was a baby, doctors gave me a very bleak outlook but I’m actually a very active person and lead a relatively independent and normal life,’ he explains.
Always on the look out for a challenge that will allow him to push the boundaries of his disability, Bart decided to embark on a virtual coast-to-coast cycle ride across America. He’ll be peddling a total of 2,967.1 miles, and has a target to raise £1 per mile covered — with all funds going towards coronavirus research at the University.
You can follow Bart’s progress on his Facebook page, or support his fundraising efforts here.
Two 300km challenges
Jack (aged 13) and Amol (aged nine) may not know each other, but the fundraising challenges they set themselves were remarkably similar. For Jack, it was to swim, cycle and run 300km over 20 days, while Amol chose to cycle the same distance in ten.
‘The risk is very real to me and my family,’ said Jack, whose dad works as a surgeon in the NHS. ‘Every single day he goes to work, I think about his safety and I can only hope he stays protected and safe from the virus. My pledge will be a personal challenge but I am determined to complete it.’
Amol, a keen cyclist, decided to do something positive after his birthday plans were cancelled, and his tennis and swimming lessons stopped. ‘I’m bored staying at home for a long time, and I’m really missing school and playing with friends,’ he explained. ‘I want to help scientists so that we can all go back to our normal lives and also save many people from dying.’
Both young men have since completed their challenges, raising an incredible £7,044 between them. If you’d like to support to their efforts, their fundraising pages remain open (here’s Jack’s and this is Amol’s).
Real and rapid impact
Donations are having a significant impact on Oxford’s coronavirus research, enabling us to deliver results as quickly as possible to the people who need it the most. If you’d like to help, why not sign up to become a Virgin Money Giving fundraiser like the lovely people above, and the many whose stories we haven’t been able to share here. Alternatively, please consider donating directly to our coronavirus research fund.
We are deeply grateful for your support.
