Three members of the RAF Valley community are taking on five marathons in five days along the Anglesey Coastal Path to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and Cancer Research UK.
Wing Commander Penny Butterfield, Amy Plank and Emma Estep will begin and end the challenge at the station, setting off on Friday, June 19 with the aim of completing the entire 130-mile route by June 23. The route will take them across rugged cliffs, beaches, country lanes and exposed headlands, testing their endurance across five consecutive days of marathon-distance running.
Penny, a helicopter pilot with 30 years of service, said the idea for the challenge came from a shared desire to complete a personal goal while supporting a cause close to their hearts. She said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund is a great charity, and this is an opportunity for us to give something back. This is a personal cause for me as my husband has received counselling through the Fund."
Amy, whose husband is a squadron leader at RAF Valley, said: "We are leaving the island this year, so I wanted to complete the coastal path before I go. I decided to turn it into a challenge and raise money at the same time. The Fund is really important not just for serving personnel on station, but for families too."
Emma, a civil servant at RAF Valley and former member of the RAF, said: "Having grown up and raised a family within the military environment, my children have benefited from events supported by the Fund at various stations we have been posted to."
The three women are looking forward to the camaraderie and the beautiful coastline to keep them motivated through the gruelling event. Amy added: "It is going to be a tough few days, but the scenery, hopefully good weather and good company will make it worthwhile – and knowing we are doing it for a good cause will keep us going."
You can support their fundraiser in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund and Cancer Research UK on Givewheel.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides lifelong support to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, offering help when they need it most. Cancer Research UK funds vital research to beat cancer sooner, a cause that touches so many lives across all communities.
The women say every mile, blister and early morning will be worth it if it helps raise vital funds and awareness for these two incredible organisations.
