Thirsk farmer’s daughter goes the extra mile for charity

Muddy Matched Helen aims to complete 100k charity challenge before the extra legwork of lambing begins

A mud-loving farmer’s daughter from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, who met her gamekeeping husband whilst online dating with Muddy Matches nearly a decade ago, has taken on a marathon mission this month, all in the name of charity.

Helen Hodgson is pledging to run and cycle over 100 kilometres – whatever the weather – throughout the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and Ryedale villages, in support of the Breast Cancer Now Run 100k Challenge.

Despite living a busy family life out in the sticks, she hopes to have her mission complete by the start of lambing!

Not bad for a 90% mud lover who says, in her original dating profile with us, that she loves nothing better than sitting on the sofa in front of a fire in winter!

“I’m not a runner really.” Helen tells us, which makes her exploits even more impressive as she chalks up an average daily 7 miles in the first 16 days of the challenge, despite freezing winds at times and elevations exceeding 800ft. “I’ve done the odd bit last year and did my first ever 10k last Monday, but I wouldn’t say I’m a runner.”

The Breast Cancer Now ‘Run 100K Challenge’ is inspiring people from all walks of life to get active during lockdown in the spirit of raising awareness for the charity. It is also giving genuine sense of purpose and daily routine – with the focus on doing the distance virtually during lockdown.

Helen has instead chosen to go the extra mile and put in the legwork outside, enjoying the great British countryside on her doorstep whilst at it; the North Yorkshire Moors National Park – Helen’s favourite place to run – is providing the perfect backdrop whilst she is drawing attention in the villages across Ryedale on her daily routes.

The good news is 36-year-old, mum to one, Helen is now 80k kilo into her challenge, and the target she thought may be out of reach physically in February is now well within touching distance. Better weather has come her way too.

Helen connected with now-husband Tom on Muddy Matches in July 2011 and tied the knot in February 2014. You can read their success story here

To contribute to Helen’s fundraiser, CLICK HERE