Team Tinathon 2021 will go the extra mile for hospice charity

THEY’VE really gone the extra mile and then some for Winchester Hospice Fundraising Charity – and now Team Tinathon are gearing up for their third fundraising challenge in support of the good cause.

The Tinathon challenge was initiated in 2019 as a tribute to Tina Jury, a popular local marathon runner who lost her life to cancer. The event was organised by local PR consultant Miranda Rock Smith, who was supported by personal trainer Heather Terry and a group of local fitness coaches.

Miranda said: “I am delighted that we are bringing the Tinathon challenge back for a third year and that Winchester Hospice will once again benefit from the activities and support of the participants.

“Tinathon entrants must do at least 30 minutes of high intensity exercise, such as running, power walking, a gym session, or perhaps a home workout, every day in December – including Christmas Day.

“To participate fully in the challenge, entrants donate £31 on the Tinathon JustGiving page, and under-16s are invited to participate for £15.50.

“Those involved must exercise each and every day in December. If anyone misses a day, they must pay a £5 fine on the Winchester Hospice fundraising page or a separate page which will be set up for Wessex Cancer Trust.”

Last year, more than 240 people finished 2020 by raising £8,830 for Winchester Hospice and a further £2,500 for Wessex Cancer Trust. The virtual popularity of the Tinathon event meant that participants got involved from as far away as Canada and America as well as Europe and Scandinavia.

And Tinathon 2021 has got off to a flying start with more than £4,500 already raised by the 120-plus participants who are gearing up for the December 1 launch.

Miranda said: “I have been overwhelmed by the huge success of the two Tinathon events so far, and I am hoping that the 2021 challenge will be the biggest and best yet.

“All of us who have participated have enjoyed the benefits, like less seasonal weight gain and less festive stress thanks to the endorphins released through exercise.

“Some people use the challenge as a chance to get the whole family involved, whilst others use it to kick-start new fitness regimes. A dedicated Facebook group and Instagram feed provide home workouts and fitness tips to keep everyone motivated.”

To sign up for Tinathon 2021, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tinathon21

Nick Vaughan, chair of Winchester Hospice Fundraising Charity, said: “Thank you so much to Miranda and everyone involved in Tinathon 2021 for their fabulous support. The Tinathon fundraisers have made a massive difference to the charity, and we wish everyone good luck with the 2021 event.”

Winchester Hospice opened on the Royal Hampshire County Hospital site, in Romsey Road, Winchester, in September following the success of a £4.4million community-backed fundraising campaign to transform the derelict Burrell House into a much-needed 10-bed inpatient hospice.

The hospice is run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which operates hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke, and Winchester. The charity needs to continue to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to ensure the staff can deliver enhanced care and support above and beyond what the NHS can provide.