Skip to content

Police inspector to complete year-long challenge

Rachel Clark Rachel Clark. She has long, light grey hair which is tied back. A pair of blue headphones are around her neck and she is wearing a blue T-shirt. She has been running along a beach and the sand and sea can be seen in the background behind her. She is looking directly at the camera.Rachel Clark
Rachel Clark has run one mile every day this year

A police inspector who has run a mile a day for a charity that supported her after her mum died of cancer is embarking on her final run.

Since starting in January, Insp Rachel Clark, from Frome, Somerset, has raised more than £9,000 for the cancer counselling charity, We Hear You (WHY).

Hundreds of people are expected to support Insp Clark when she sets off on her last mile from Frome Rugby Club on Tuesday morning.

"We're bringing the community together every single day and we're funding invaluable counselling sessions that I know people need. It made a difference to me and I hope it can make a difference to others," Insp Clark said.

The 49-year-old works for Avon and Somerset Police and was supported by WHY after her mum died from leukaemia.

The charity offers professional counselling to anybody affected by cancer and living in Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.

Insp Clark has been fundraising for the charity since 2012 and has completed half marathons, fire engine pulls and world records.

She described her latest fundraiser as "really special" as it marks the charity's 30th anniversary.

Rachel Clark Rachel Clark and a group of runners. They are all pictured outside, wearing running gear and T-shirts with the WHY... logo on the front. All of them are looking at the camera and smiling. Rachel Clark
Insp Clark said the support has been "phenomenal"

Insp Clark's daily mile has brought the community together, with many people running with her.

"I can probably count on my hands how many miles I've done alone this year," she said.

"The support has been phenomenal.

"There have been times when it has been cold and wet and the last thing you want to do is go out and run a mile but I know every time I run a mile somebody donates and that money goes into something valuable for our community.

"It's all about giving back - it's a cliche, but it's what I'm doing."

Lucy Kitchener, chief executive officer of WHY, said: "Rachel's contribution, along with the work of all our volunteers and supporters, raises essential funds that allow us to provide free and low-cost counselling to anyone in Somerset, Wiltshire, or BANES impacted by cancer or life-limiting illness."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story
Related Internet Links