PLUMBING BOSS SET TO RUN ONE HUNDRED MILES FOR TEDDINGTON-BASED CHARITY RUILS
The co-owner of a local plumbing firm Rob Hillhouse is raising funds for the Teddington-based charity RUILS by running ONE HUNDRED MILES along the South Downs Way.
The gruelling but picturesque route runs from Winchester to Eastbourne and Rob is hoping to raise £10.000 for the charity on June 13, three weeks after celebrating his 60th birthday.
He told Teddington Town: “Despite having very little and our mum always helped those worse off than ourselves and whether it’s because of our upbringing or whether we are immigrants to the country, Gavin and I are passionate in giving back to our community.
“Throughout the years Pinnacle Plumbing & Heating has supported various charities but never really found one to hang our hats on until we were introduced to Ruils Independent Living.
“A local charity that does amazing work and fits with our values. For the past four years we have promoted and raised money for Ruils through walking the Virtual London Marathon twice and the Thames Path Challenge 100km Ultra.
“Recently we discovered that Ruils SEND Family Matters provides practical support, advice and information to families with Disabled children and/or young people with additional needs.
“This service would have meant the world to my brother and his wife because their daughter, who is now a young adult, is autistic.
“Witnessing the minefields they had to navigate and untold dead ends was heart-breaking which inspired Gavin and I to take on a challenge to raise funding for this service.
“The challenge had to be unusual and tough enough to remind us that no matter how hard it gets, it’s nowhere near as tough as some families have it and that it will only hurt for a relatively short time.
“After discussing a few ideas we decided that, on the 13th of June, paced Gavin, I would run 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne in an attempt to raise £10,000 for Ruils.”
Rob adds: “If you’re as passionate about helping our community as we are, your donation, no matter how big, or small, will go a long way.
“Your generosity will help fund essential workshops, one-to-one support and befriending services.
“Together, we can make a difference to the lives of those who need it most.”
The course travels along the chalk ridgeway, starting just outside of Winchester, the capital city of Saxon England and heading due east until the trail ends in Eastbourne.
The South Downs tower over Southern England affording runners awe inspiring views north across the Weald and south across the coast and the Channel.
Runners will be fully supported by 12 well-stocked aid stations, full medical support and a fully marked course.
You can support Rob here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/pinnacle-plumbing-ruils?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL