Emily Mitchell on the South Downs

Fund raising challenge: Race To The Stones

Education Futures Trust (EFT) volunteer, Emily Mitchell (19), has taken on the epic challenge, Race To The Stones, in July in a quest to raise funds for the Hastings based charity.

The demanding two-day event will see Emily trek 100km along The Ridgeway – Britain’s oldest path – from the Chilterns to the North Wessex Downs. The historic route passes iron-age forts, the iconic White Horse at Uffington and other stunning landscapes, before finishing next to the 5,000-year-old stone circle at Avebury.

With over 2000 runners taking part each year, Race To The Stones has been voted one of the best endurance events in the UK – and Emily has been training hard to prepare for the ultra-marathon.

Emily’s journey began three years ago when she enrolled on a course at EFT designed to help those suffering from high levels of anxiety and depression. With the support of staff, her confidence grew and Emily found a passion for conservation and bushcraft. This helped her overcome her barriers and realise that she wanted a career working outdoors. Emily enjoyed an Outdoor Learning apprenticeship at EFT and is keen to let others know how courses like this can change the lives of others.

Emily commented: “I am taking on my biggest challenge to date with Race To The Stones, a 100k ultra-marathon along Britain’s oldest footpath. I’m going to be training hard right up to the event to prepare myself for the challenge, in the hope that the money raised will help to support others in the way the Education Futures Trust has helped me.”

Emily would like to raise £425 for EFT with her Race To The Stones challenge on the 13 & 14 July. If you would like to sponsor Emily, please visit her Just Giving fundraising page.

Emily Mitchell

Emily Mitchell lives in Bexhill and is currently studying Countryside Management at Plumpton College, Lewes. She has been accepted to study Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University and will start in the new academic year. Emily also continues her work as an Outdoor Learning volunteer at EFT.

Also in: Hastings People