A FROME woman is set to complete a colossal year-long fundraising charity on New Year’s Eve to honour the memory of her mother who died from leukemia.

Rachel Clark, a neighbourhood policing inspector at Avon and Somerset Police, has run a mile a day to raise money and awareness for Frome-based cancer support charity We Hear You (WHY) – raising £11,200 so far.

The challenge, which is set to come to an end tomorrow (December 31) has been more than just a test of endurance.

Each day, no matter the weather or where the location, she has laced up her running shoes to complete a daily run.

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Often joined by others in the community, Ms Clark and her supporters have proven that with determination and heart, every mile can make a difference.

Ms Clark said: “It’s luck of the draw in terms of how many people will show up – sometimes it’s only one, sometimes a dozen, but that’s the beauty of it for me.

“I have regulars who join which is always comforting – one guy has run over 60 miles with me and given me a pound every time. It all adds up, no matter how small you think a donation is.”

She added: “Some days the challenge feels tougher than others, and I’ve had both work and personal commitments come up that threaten my availability.

Ms Clark has raised £11,200 so far Picture: Avon and Somerset Police

“I dealt with illness over the summer but still managed to go to work and run my mile every day. I only had one minor injury at the start of the year to my knee, so I’m thankful that the short distance was forgiving during my recovery.

“I’m lucky to have the support of my local community, and many of them know me because of my role as a neighbourhood inspector.”

Through her efforts, she has raised vital funds and awareness for WHY who provide free and low-cost professional counselling to anyone affected by cancer in Somerset, Wiltshire and Banes.

This is the second time Ms Clark has taken on the challenge, having first completed it five years ago.

Ms Clark decided to support WHY after her mother died from leukemia in 2011.

She will conclude her 365-day journey by running her final mile surrounded by supporters, well-wishers, and the local community, marking a triumphant end to an extraordinary personal mission tomorrow (December 31).

This milestone event will take place at Frome Rugby Club. Supporters can arrive from midday, where Mojo Moves will provide a much-needed mid-winter warmup for the crowd.

Ms Clark will then set off for the monumental final mile. Spectators are invited to run or walk with her to celebrate the end of her epic achievement.

“The kindness and support this simple yet effective challenge has generated will never fail to amaze me,” she said.

“There is no way I would have been able to continue at the level I have without all the support of the local community.

“If you haven’t managed to join me yet and still want to, please come along to the final mile. It’ll be amazing to end this challenge with a big community turnout.”

WHY CEO Lucy Kitchener said: “Rachel’s efforts are hugely valued, and her dedication and hard work over the year, through rain and shine, is raising essential funds for WHY.

“Rachel’s contribution, along with the work of all our volunteers and supporters, raises essential funds that allows us to provide free and low-cost counselling to anyone in Somerset, Wiltshire or Banes impacted by cancer or life-limiting illness.”

The final mile promises to be a celebratory event for all ages, with opportunities for the community to run alongside Ms Clark, cheer her on, or simply come along to show their support.

Details for final mile:

• 12pm – 12:30pm – Supporters arrive & Rachel meet and greet at Frome Rugby Club, Gypsy Lane, Frome BA11 2NA.
• 12:30pm – 12:45pm – Mojo Moves warm up
• 13pm – Final mile
• 13:30pm – Few final words

To donate to Ms Clark’s campaign, click here or search We Hear You: 365 miles for WHY: The Sequel.