Organiser of Land’s End to John O’Groats charity run ‘very emotional’ at event’s success
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The organiser of a marathon relay run from Land's End to John O' Groats, which raised over £30,000 for two charities, was "very emotional" but delighted when she completed the last leg of the RunAcross UK this week.
Iris Hammond, a 20-year-old Bristol university student, was inspired to take on the task by her young sister Nancy (12) who was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome soon after she was born. The money will go to Down’s Syndrome Scotland and the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Nancy was at the finishing line on Wednesday afternoon to greet Iris along with their parents, Anna and Ralph Hammond. Nancy, Anna and Ralph all took part in the run, which got under way two weeks ago and involved a total of 75 runners, including Lorna Stanger from Thurso.
Sign up to receive regular email newsletters
Iris was also welcomed at Groats by Watten pipers, Glen and Morven Miller, as well as Lorna and two of the other runners, Kevin Cummings and Eilidh Scott.
"It was an absolutely incredible feeling at the finish. I was very emotional and cried when I got to the sign post at John O' Groats. It was lovely to be played in by the pipers. Nancy gave me a big hug and said she was really proud of me," she said.
Iris ran the first mile from Land’s End with Nancy on March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day – and the final leg from Wick railway station to Groats on Wednesday.
"I want to say the biggest thank you ever to all the runners who took part in the various stages. They all came together to take part in this crazy thing and to help change the narrative around Down's Syndrome."
She added: "We have raised £29,322 at the moment but with Gift Aid of £6000 that total will be about £36,000 for the two charities. My first target was £500, then £1000 and then £10,000. The response to the fund-raising has been amazing.
“I am very overwhelmed at the moment and don't think it has quite sunk in yet."
Iris spent the last year organising the event while studying law and business at the University of the West of England in Bristol and working as a waitress.
She plans to hold a Zoom meeting with all the runners next week. She left John O'Groats after the run and headed to Inverness and was due back in Bristol around teatime yesterday (Thursday) after flying from Edinburgh.
