A fundraising campaign recently launched by Former Pupil Olivia Strong encouraging people to use their daily exercise to run 5km, donate £5 and nominate five people to do the same has raised over £2 million in under three weeks, with donations continuing to flood in.
Soaring past its initial target of £5,000 in just 4 days after it was unveiled on Instagram on Saturday 28 March, a new goal of £2 million was set (and surpassed!). All proceeds will be donated to ‘NHS Charities Together’, a national appeal which bids to protect the welfare of NHS staff and equip them to fight COVID-19.
Run For Heroes was launched by Olivia Strong with help from Alice Roberta Taylor and India Pappalardo-Strachan, who are all Former Pupils of The Mary Erskine School (2011).
Olivia, now 27 and living in London working as a documentary producer, said: “Run For Heroes has been a massive collaboration by everyone in the community from start to finish. My friends and family have been very much involved in the process, from all of the artwork created by India, to the name crafted by Alice. I am overwhelmed by the response so far; what started as a small fundraiser with friends and family has grown into a global movement.
Most importantly though are the runners who have been running, donating and nominating from all around the world. They've come together for this worthwhile cause to raise money and awareness for those who need it the most.”
The campaign has attracted the support of famous faces, including Olympic athlete and Former Pupil Lynsey Sharp, Olympian Mo Farah, singer Ellie Goulding, footballer John Terry, radio presenters Chris Moyles, Nick Grimshaw and Clara Amfo, actress Lily James, reality TV stars and many more.
Talking about the motivation behind her campaign, Olivia explained: “Our NHS staff are working tirelessly to protect us in this nerve-wracking time. I wanted to celebrate their efforts and raise money to help them continue the fight to save lives. I am so grateful to everyone who has supported the cause so far and I hope that the thousands of generous donations will help to make our NHS workers’ lives a little easier.”
Kirsty Nicholson, Head of The Mary Erskine School added that “The Run for Heroes campaign has inspired the nation to get up and run to support the NHS. We are all really proud of Olivia, Alice and India at ESMS and we are encouraging all our pupils and staff to put on their trainers and show their support.”
Even when we are apart, this campaign is an example of how we can still work together to achieve something amazing.
We look forward to seeing how much money Run For Heroes can raise in support of the NHS and we wish Olivia, Alice and India all the best.
You can follow the campaign or get involved following the links below:
