Fundraising stories
Andy Bowditch
Our Performance Reporting and Data Manager, Andy, walked 100km continuously along the picturesque Thames Path with his sister Sarah, to raise funds.
In an outstanding feat of endurance, he walked for 29 hours, raising over £1,200!
Rebecca & Susie
Rebecca and Susie from Seaton Library took on a whopping three-day, 80-mile cycling challenge, exploring the beautiful English countryside and Somerset villages.
Met with friendship and kindness along the way, they braved the rain and completed the 80-mile adventure, helping to raise money for Libraries Unlimited to reduce literacy inequalities, combat social inequality, and help develop skills for life.
Kevin Fewtrell
In September 2024 our Stock & Reading Development Manager Kevin completed a challenging 117 miles along the Two Moors Way from Wembury in South Devon, to Lynmouth in North Devon.
Kevin completed the challenge with his brother-in-law Stephen, through the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor. An immense journey that involved over 3,400m of elevation, they self-navigated through horrendous and tricky terrain.
“The weather didn’t do us any favours, but it’s amazing how having a pub at the end of each stage can keep you going. I didn’t realise quite how hilly Devon is—and how much I hate cows!”
Eve Ashton
In June 2023 Eve completed 100km of walking with her dogs!
‘As Centre Manager, overseeing the libraries in Torbay, I am fortunate to see every day the impact that our libraries and library teams have on our communities. From newborn babies to the older generations, our library provides activities, socialisation, information and a welcoming space for all.’
Rachel Payne
In May 2024 Rachel completed an incredible 100km ultra challenge across Dartmoor and Exmoor!
‘As the Business Development & Fundraising Manager for Libraries Unlimited, I see every day that what happens in a library is so much more than just books, and how our services truly change lives. With two children of my own, I am particularly passionate about the positive impact our charity has on literacy inequality in the South West.’
Gemma Pegg
Gemma has completed 3 incredible challenges for us! Last year she completed a 25k loop of the South West Coast 50 Ultra Challenge, followed by a 58k ultra marathon along the Jurassic Coast from Corfe Castle to Weymouth. Finally, in July 2024 she smashed the epic Race to the Stones, a 100k ultra marathon, which consists of back to back 31 mile runs over two days!
Gemma did the challenges as she says she ‘firmly believes that libraries have the power to change people’s lives, and I want to give something back to the incredible library service that has given me, and my family, so much.”
Jessica Wanostrocht
In May 2021 Jessica and her friends raised £337 by walking 12.7 miles, dressed up as library fairies! They started at Brixham and visited the other libraries in Torbay to perform challenges set by colleagues, before finishing at Kingskerwsell.
After completing her challenge, Jessica said: ‘Libraries Unlimited is so wonderful at bringing communities together and I was so happy for all the support from the public and colleagues.’
Mark Harrison
Mark raised £1400 for Cullompton Code Club by running the Exeter Marathon on 14th May 2023. The donations that Mark received funded new laptops, a weather station and other computer equipment.
Mark said: ‘People’s generosity has been amazing – thank you to everyone who has donated. This will make a big difference to Cullompton Code Club.’ He also smashed his 4-hour race target, coming in at an impressive 3 hours and 54 minutes!