Sheffield siblings raise thousands for children's hospice with lockdown marathon challenge

Sophia and Luca Mizler and managed to raise £2,420 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice by running on their local streets.

Sophia, 11, from Ridgeway, was inspired after seeing the fundraising feats people have been taking on during lockdown. Her brother Luca, 7, quickly got on board.

The siblings crossed the finish line on April 30 to the cheers of socially distanced friends and neighbours.

Mum Louise, 35, who’s a Neonatal Nurse at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, said it all began with a chat with her daughter.

“A family friend visits Bluebell Wood for respite care and I was chatting to Sophia about just how much they help people,” she said.

“Then, after hearing many charities are struggling with fundraising in lockdown and realising just how much it costs to run Bluebell Wood, she really wanted to do something to help.”

Initially starting out with a £250 target, the siblings surpassed that with the support of their community.

“We live on an estate and everyone really enjoyed watching them out of their windows each day,” said Louise.

“Everyone got behind them and when they did their final leg we mentioned it to a few neighbours – and the whole estate came out to cheer them on!"

As well as raising much-needed funds to support Bluebell Wood, their efforts gave the family to something to focus on in lockdown – and a welcome break from home schooling.

“They both absolutely smashed it and I’m so proud of them,” said Louise.

“We have two other children aged two and ten months. It’s been challenging at times in lockdown, but this gave us something to focus on.”

Sally Baker, Community Fundraising Manager at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to give a huge thank you to Sophia, Luca and the whole family for their incredible efforts. It’s nothing short of inspirational and you should be so proud of what you’ve achieved.

“The amazing sum they have raised will help us continue to look after some of the most vulnerable children and families in our communities when they need our help more than ever.”