Lucy-Jo and Rosie Tostevin are personal trainers who have been running the local company Family Inspired Training, or FIT, since 2016.
Lucy-Jo, 30, and 25-year-old Rosie help local parents and families who want to improve their fitness together without having to find additional childcare.
The sisters began their challenge on New Year’s Day and completed it on February 19, having run 250km – ‘that’s just under six marathons without a break,’ said Lucy-Jo.
They chose to support Parkinson’s UK after their father, Alan, 71, was diagnosed with the degenerative condition last year.
Lucy-Jo, one of six siblings, said: “Whilst it has been a sad time for us, our dad has been amazing at taking it all in his stride.
“Our aim is to raise awareness and support for the amazing work that the Parkinson’s UK charity does for those suffering with this disease.”
“They make an invaluable difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s, funding ground-breaking research, providing vital information to those suffering with the disease and their families, and also helping to find a cure.”
She added: “Although we are both fit from being trainers, our specialism was definitely not running. At the beginning it was not something we were confident in or much enjoyed.
“But we wanted to take on a challenge that was difficult so that we could show a little of the resilience and determination our dad has shown since his diagnosis.”
The pair have been tackling the 5k runs in various locations, in Jersey, Cambridge and Liverpool as well as in Tunbridge Wells.
“We’ve been out in the wind and rain, up hills, on pavements and in countryside mud, as well as on treadmills,” said Lucy-Jo. It has definitely been a challenge to run every day, in every weather – Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis included. Add to that some sore knees, dog attacks, twisted ankles and illness, and it’s safe to say it’s been an eventful 50 days!
“It has been easier some days than others, but 50 days without any rest has definitely been harder than we thought. However, we have definitely got fitter, started to run quicker and mentally felt better for it.
“We can’t quite believe that we have made it to the finish line.”
To support Lucy and Rosie, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sistersrun505kin50days or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @familyinspiredtraining
