We’d like to say a huge thank you to Hinckley resident Lyni Sargent, who recently handed over £250 to our homelessness charity Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland.
To raise these vital funds, Lyni completed a very gruelling two-part sponsored challenge. Lyni – who is a self-employed Art Therapist – tackled a 50km mountain trek through the Alps, followed a few days later by a 50km ultramarathon run in the Peak District.
We’re always so grateful when local people step up to help us out, and Lyni’s efforts were immense! The money she raised through sponsorship will help us continue our work supporting those who have experienced homelessness to turn their lives around.
Lyni’s story
Lyni lives with daily pain caused by a curvature of the spine, arthritis and asthma, and this situation motivated her to begin training: “I was advised not to do high-impact sports, but I’m a very determined person. I thought, if I’m going to be in pain anyway, I may as well stay active and push myself to do something good and help a charity.”
Having been homeless in the past, Lyni very kindly chose to raise funds for us: “A few years ago I escaped an abusive relationship and spent a week without a home. I ended up going back to the relationship temporarily, because my daughter and I had no control over where we might be housed – we could have been sent anywhere in the UK and we needed to stay in the area. Eventually, thanks to financial help from friends and family, we were able to leave and found a safe place to live.”
“I know that some people aren’t as lucky; they don’t have friends and family to help them if they end up homeless. Emmaus is a great charity because it isn’t just a quick fix; people are given a room and support for as long as they need it. ”
Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland provides a home, support and meaningful work for up to 16 people who have experienced homelessness, at our accommodation in Hinckley. Some stay for a while as they gain confidence and skills before they are ready to move on to independent living; others require longer-term support. In 2022 we celebrate our 10th anniversary.
Lyni’s challenge
Lyni’s mountain trek began on Thursday 8 September 2022 and part one saw her hiking 50km across the Alps from Italy to France, via Switzerland. The second event took place a few days later and was a 50km ultramarathon run through the Peak District National Park.
Speaking to us just after she’d completed both events, Lyni said: “The Alps trek was incredible and the ultramarathon was brutal! I could hardly walk at all yesterday, but my running buddy told me that I’d heal quicker if I went for a recovery jog, and I must admit that I did feel less stiff afterwards. I think there were about 300 entrants in the ultramarathon, and 15 retired, so although my eleven hours was four more than my target time, I do feel amazing for having finished it!”
Lyni has also donated a portion of the money she raised to the Air Ambulance Service, in memory of her father.
Inspired by Lyni’s efforts?
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