Rainworth brothers use lockdown to raise £400 for homelessness charity

Brothers Codey, Konnor and Ryley have between them clocked up 200 miles in a month to in aid of the Beacon Project, which helps people who are homeless, have no income or are in debt in and around Mansfield.

Eldest brother Codey ran 100 miles in total across 28 days, while the two younger boys ran 50 miles each.

The boys’ mum Samantha came up withe the idea to try and keep the boys fit and motivated while they couldn’t see their friends during lockdown.

Samantha said: “We would go for a short run every morning before home schooling.

“It was becoming quite difficult to motivate my children with the current situation, but I know the boys love to help people if they can, so I challenged my youngest two to run 50 miles in 28 days and my eldest 100 miles in 28 days and I would donate £45 to the NHS charities, if they could complete it.

“They wanted to help a local charity and I think the Beacon Project I think really touched the children and they wanted to help someone that hasn't got the things they have.

The younger two boys ran with me completing two or three-mile runs four or five days a week to stay ahead of target.

And the eldest ran 25 miles a week generally running five miles for five days a week around our local area.

“The challenge was incredibly difficult to sustain and I felt a little guilty that maybe it was too tough, as by the final week or two they all ached and felt the strain.

“But the boys didn't moan once or feel they weren't going to complete it..

The lads were incredibly grateful to all those that sponsored them and were amazed at the amount we were finally able to send.”

The money will go towards helping the Beacon Project provide food, clothes and toiletries for homeless people.

Louisa Hillman from the charity, said: “I thought it was such a lovely and generous thing to do during their time not being in school.

“These boys could have easily given up or spent time on their X-box instead but they chose to use their spare time to help others.

“I think it sets a great example to other kids out there.”