Georgia's Ultra Challenge raises over £1,400

Lifeways Deputy Manager Georgia Cleworth has successfully completed the Ultra Challenge 25K Loop in the Peak District, raising an incredible £1,455 for Children with Cancer UK and overcoming an injury along the way. 

Georgia works at Lifeways’ Maples supported living service, and took on the challenge with four friends on Saturday 4 July. They were driven by a desire not only to cross the finish line but also to raise awareness, inspire others and help fund life-saving research and support services for children and families affected by cancer. 

Her achievement was the culmination of months of dedicated preparation. In the lead-up to the event, Georgia committed herself to a series of increasingly demanding hikes across the Peak District. What began as regular 10km walks gradually developed into longer and more challenging distances, progressing through 15km and 20km routes before reaching consistent 25km practice hikes. 

The challenge itself proved every bit as demanding as expected. Despite suffering a torn ligament halfway through the event, Georgia refused to give up. Drawing on the resilience she had developed throughout her training, she pushed through the pain and completed the 25km course in just over five hours. 

Her effort helped earned her team an impressive 200th-place finish out of 650 participants, making the achievement even more remarkable given the injury she sustained during the event. 

Reflecting on crossing the finish line, Georgia said: "Completing the Ultra Challenge 25km Loop was an amazing feeling. It was a real mix of relief, pride and excitement, especially knowing how much effort went into getting to the start line and overcoming the challenge on the day.  

“Finishing in just over five hours and placing 200th out of 650 participants made it even more rewarding, but the biggest achievement was simply crossing that finish line, especially after picking up a ligament injury halfway through." 

Georgia credits much of her success to the support she received from family, friends and teammates throughout her fundraising and training journey: "My family, friends and teammates have been incredibly supportive and proud. They've been amazed that I managed to keep going despite the injury and have been so encouraging throughout the whole experience.” 

The fundraising total of £1,455 will contribute to the vital work carried out by Children with Cancer UK, supporting research, raising awareness and helping children and families facing the challenges of cancer treatment. 

While many would be resting after completing such a demanding feat, Georgia is already setting her sights on her next challenge, and is looking at booking another charity event in September. “The Peak District Challenge is a 50km route, which is equivalent to 31.1 miles and classed as an ultramarathon,” she said. “It will be a bigger step up from the 25km challenge, but I'm excited to continue pushing myself, raising money for charity and taking on new challenges." 

From everyone at Lifeways, well done Georgia! 

To find out more about Georgia’s challenge, visit her fundraising page.