Lifelong friends Mike Friend and Christopher Saich have been fundraising for Isabel Hospice by taking on a challenge inspired by their love for their mums.
Mike, 41, son of fundraising stalwart Renee Friend, and Christopher, 43, each ran 190 miles in 22 days – the distance between their respective homes in Manchester and London.
The pals, who both grew up around Bishop’s Stortford and have been friends since their early teens, have so far raised nearly £800, with their efforts featuring in the Bishop’s Stortford Independent.
Dad-of-two Christopher, a director of an advertising agency, said: “Mike and I met when I was 14, he was 13, and cringingly at a fashion show, which was put on courtesy of Next, New Look and Outdoor Wear. Not one of our finest moments, but we became great friends.”
Marketing consultant Mike, who lives with wife Emily and their three children, Bear, 6, River, 3 and their as yet to be named baby boy who was born last week, added: “[Isabel Hospice] has always been a charity close to our heart and part of our family in many ways. I did this run both for the patients but also for the volunteers and the amazing work they put in.”
Renee, who has been the face, heart and soul of Isabel in Bishop’s Stortford for decades through her tireless fundraising, lost her mother to cancer when she was pregnant with Mike. She said: “Sadly, [we] did not have this support and I vowed I would help ensure more people were able to access this care and support.”
Mike has previously fundraised for the Hospice by taking part in the ASICS Windermere Marathon in May 2019.
Christopher’s mother, Rita, died from cancer 11 years ago and spent her final days in a Norfolk hospice.
He said: “The hospices all do the same thing by making sure that these end-of-life patients get the very best care and that extra TLC, which you could only wish for a loved one who is close to you.
“They do a great job and they really need the money, which is why Mike and I have done this.”
You can still donate to Mike and Christopher’s online fundraising page, here.
