Like most charities, Newlife depends on people to help us raise the funds we need to provide equipment and support to as many disabled and terminally ill children and their families as possible, whether they choose to take partin one of the many pre-arranged events Newlife runs throughout the year or come up with their own challenge.

But it’s not just members of the public or family members of children Newlife has helped that step up to raise funds. Those who work for Newlife and see how much difference even a small act of fundraising can make are also eager to get involved, whether that means baking cakes, running raffles or even races.

One member of staff training for her second running event to raise funds for Newlife is Abbey Costello, Newlife’s Visual Communications Specialist, who is a keen runner and turned her hobby into a way to help the children she hears about every day during her work.

Abbey said: “I started running (like everyone else!) during lockdown but stopped after I reached 5k. I restarted Couch to 5k again in April last year and started to really enjoy it for the exercise as well as doing something for myself and getting into a good headspace.

“I was doing 5ks two or three times a week and taking part in parkruns, so I decided to sign up for the Alton Towers 5k in November last year. I thought it would be a good idea to run for Newlife – and I raised £125!  The day of the 5k was freezing and I found it much tougher than I thought it would be, as the course is very hilly! But completing it and knowing I had raised money that would help a child felt great.

“After taking a break for a few weeks, I signed up for the first Drayton Manor Run10k and have been training over the winter. It’s been tough trying to get out with the cold and dark nights, but training has been going well, and my target is to complete the 10k in less than 1 hour 15 minutes, while of course raising more funds so Newlife can help more children.

“I’m a little nervous about running 10k this time, but I know it will feel great when it’s all done!”

To discover the different ways you can help raise funds for Newlife, visit  here or email the fundraising team to discuss your own ideas.