Georgie and Harriet – their story
Sisters Georgie and Harriet at taking on the challenge of The London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) on Sunday 12 April. The event is not your average half marathon – from cultural landmarks and heritage to the city’s quirky and hidden secrets, runners get to explore the capital on a route like no other!
I asked them a few questions about their participation in this exciting London event. Read what they had to say!
When did you start running together as sisters?
It was on New Year’s Day 2024, we laced up our trainers and took on our very first 5km run together. Since then, we’ve trained together, raced together and recovered together!
Why did you choose to run a half marathon for MFT?
We both really loved reading about the incredible work the MFT does to support mental and emotional wellbeing in and around Surrey, and when the opportunity came up to do something we love (running) together whilst raising money for that amazing cause, how could we say no!?
What does taking on this challenge mean to you personally?
Harriet has been running for a very long time, and always loved it but never pushed herself to run longer distances. Georgie picked up running in the last few years and we both just started pushing each other to go further, try and get a bit faster, and we love running together. Running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for MFT will be both a personal feat to run an amazing race through our home city together as sisters whilst raising money and awareness for an amazing cause.
How has your training been going?
Despite the majority of our training taking place during what has felt like the greyest, wettest winter London has ever seen, it has been going well! We have both remained un-injured (touch wood) and have been enjoying it so far! Hopefully the last few weeks of ramping the distances up before tapering before the big day go well then we should be feeling strong and positive on the start line!
What keeps you going on the tougher training days?
As cheesy as it sounds, we just love the mental feeling of both being on a run, and finishing a run. A good playlist (for Georgie) or podcast (for Harri) also does wonders! Then after of course refueling with some delicious food – both of our go-to post-run meals are eggs, cottage cheese and sourdough (tell me you watch too many social media videos about eating your protein without telling me…)
What would you say to someone considering supporting MFT or taking on a challenge event themselves?
If reading about the incredible work MFT do on their website or social channels isn’t enough to convince you to support this amazing charity, so far the support we have received especially from Biba has been so wonderful. You don’t feel like you’re on your own, you feel like you have someone there to help you along the way – undertaking both the training and fundraising can feel a daunting task but the team at MFT are so so supportive and will make it feel like a breeze!
How can people support you?
If you would like to support two sisters trying to cross the London Landmarks Half Marathon finish line to raise money for MFT, we would love it if you could donate! No pressure, but our fundraising link is here if you are able:
Meet Sue and the other members of Knit and Knatter
Sue started the group two years ago, inspired by her love of knitting – but more importantly, to give people a reason to come together and share some good company.
Since then, the group has grown into a lovely little community. One of its most special members is Ivy, who is 94. She first came along after walking into the church looking for company, and she’s been a regular ever since.
With so many beautiful handmade items piling up, the group decided to hold a sale on 1 December last year at the café in St Mary’s Church, East Molesey, where they meet each week. The café, open Monday to Friday, is a popular spot for local mums and toddlers—making it the perfect place to share their creations.
Sue chose to support MFT, as she and several others in the group have personally benefited from its services. As Sue put it, “I’m grateful for the support you gave me in my lowest period.”
The group got busy knitting festive baubles, hats, wreaths and garlands, and even added a tombola to the mix. Altogether, they raised a fantastic £217.
We’re so grateful for their efforts—both for the fundraising and the community they’ve built. It’s a wonderful example of how something as simple as knitting can bring people together, spark friendships, and help everyone feel a little more connected.
Photos from Sue and her group of knitters
