Run For Heroes
1363. Olivia Strong
Olivia Strong, from Edinburgh, created the ‘Run for Heroes 5km Challenge’ which has now raised over £5 million for NHS charities with 1 million participants in over 20 countries, including celebrities like Sir Mo Farah.
Olivia conceived the idea as a way to put her daily lockdown exercise to good use, running 5K, donating £5 and nominating 5 people to do the same, aiming to raise £5,000. Now she has raised that a thousand times over, with the total distance run stretching all the way to the moon and back.
In a personal letter to Olivia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on becoming the UK’s 1363rd Point of Light, and the third honouree in this special series of awards to recognise those who are supporting our communities through the battle with Coronavirus.
“As we persevere with the restrictions to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives, I have been inspired by the ingenuity of your Run for Heroes 5km Challenge.
“Using your daily lockdown exercise to run 5K, donate £5 and nominate 5 people, you have raised more than £5 million to support the extraordinary work of our true heroes – the men and women of our unique NHS. With over a million participants from more than 20 countries, you have roused a global movement that has collectively run the entire distance to the moon and back!
“Thank you for your brilliant initiative and for all that you have done to support our wonderful NHS.”
Olivia said:
“It’s an absolute pleasure and delight to accept this award on behalf of the whole ‘Run For Heroes’ community. Not only the amazing people who have helped with the campaign (India, Alice and my family), but everyone who has continued to run, donate & nominate! It’s been so wonderful to see people coming together for such a worthwhile cause!”
