Stalybridge dad and daughter run 100k in 10 days

A dad and daughter duo from Carrbrook have raced through the streets of Stalybridge, completing 100km in just 10 days.

‘Not every 11-year-old can say they’ve ran 100km in 10 days’, but Phoebe Whitbread sure can! Having only ever ran one 10k before this, her father Nick was anxious as to whether she would be able to complete this momentous challenge.

However, completing the runs wasn’t the only achievement they managed to secure, as the pair also raised an incredible £1,023 in aid of the Captain Tom Foundation.

The nation was gifted with the heroism of Captain Sir Thomas Moore in the height of the pandemic last year, leaving his passion embedded into so many people around the world. With the end of April marking what would’ve been his 101st birthday, many across the country have geared up to support his foundation and raise funds for the causes that were close to his heart.

“I woke up on the Wednesday with this idea, I like running but Phoebe had only ever done one 10k before.

“When we worked it out, the 10 days started on the Saturday as that would see us end on the weekend of what would’ve been Captain Tom’s birthday, so we had no time to train or think twice about doing it,” Nick says.

With other commitments taking centre stage in their lives, Nick and Phoebe had to work extra hard to ensure they could reach their goal of 100km in their 10-day time frame.

“The first runs were good but then they got a bit harder, especially juggling work, school and other clubs.

“On the Monday I run the local beaver group and Phoebe attends dancing, so we had to do the 10k before school, getting up and running at 6am was tough!” he says.

In order to keep them interested in their running journey, Nick and Phoebe enlisted the help of one of their family friends which ‘broke it up and made it more fun’. They also encountered a few ‘trips, aches and strains’ but despite all the obstacles, the pair battled through.

Nick says he and his family were ‘so impressed with Phoebe’s strength and never give up attitude’.

“To raise over £1,000 is truly unbelievable, we only set out thinking of a small amount to do something nice and help with Phoebe’s school JASS course.

“We’re so grateful to all the donations and we’re a bit overwhelmed but super proud of her achievement, not every 11-year-old can say they’ve ran 100km in 10 days,” says Nick.

As a pupil of Buckton Vale primary school, Phoebe has impressed not only her family, but her whole community, showing the importance of determination.

Click here for Nick and Phoebe's fundraising page.

Click here to see more on the Captain Tom Foundation. 

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