A 70-mile ultramarathon spanning Northumberland and Cumbria has raised nearly £2,000 for charity.
Runner Sarah Hutchinson completed The Wall, an ultra-distance challenge running the length of Hadrian’s Wall, raising funds for Abbeyfield Living Society, which provides housing, care, and support for older people across the UK.
The run took place on June 13 and June 14 and began in Carlisle, finishing in Newcastle.
Ms Hutchinson, regional operations manager at Abbeyfield and responsible for services across the east and north east of England, said: "Abbeyfield began with one simple but powerful belief: that older people deserve companionship, dignity and a place to truly call home.
"Seventy years later, I see every day the difference our houses and care homes make to people's lives.
"Taking on 70 miles felt like a fitting way to mark Abbeyfield’s 70th anniversary.
"It was a challenging experience, but it also gave me the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable impact Abbeyfield has had on so many lives over the past seven decades and the dedication of the colleagues and volunteers who make that possible every day."
She was inspired to take on the challenge by Abbeyfield’s 70th anniversary and originally set a fundraising goal of £500, which she later raised to £1,956 in honour of the charity’s founding year.
Finishing the ultramarathon in just 21 hours, Ms Hutchinson was supported along the route by Abbeyfield colleagues, residents, and supporters.
She said: "I couldn't have completed this challenge without the support of Abbeyfield communities along the route.
"Knowing that residents and staff were cheering me on kept me going when things got tough – especially when I hit that 60-mile wall."
She began her journey after spending the night at Abbeyfield’s Loveday House in Wigton, passed by Riverhill in Corbridge, where she collected snacks left out by residents, and crossed the finish line to celebrations at Hope Bank View in Sunderland.
Theresa Wilson, director of customer experience at Abbeyfield Living Society, said: "Having worked with Sarah for many years, I know how dedicated she is to enhancing the lives of our residents, supporting our frontline colleagues, and upholding the values of our historic organisation.
"We are all incredibly proud of this remarkable achievement.
"Not only has Sarah completed an extraordinary physical challenge, but she has also raised vital funds that will help us continue supporting older people to live well, feel connected, and enjoy the highest possible quality of life."
Ms Hutchinson’s fundraising page remains open, and she hopes to raise even more money to support Abbeyfield’s work across the UK.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-hutchinson-the-wall-2026.
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