Our very own Communications Officer, Laura Jennings, will be walking 25K as part of the Thames Path Challenge to raise money for Childnet. We spoke to Laura about her love of walking, why she’s fundraising for Childnet and how she plans to train.
Name: Laura Jennings
Age: 29
Where do you live?
London. More specifically Hackney.
What is your role at Childnet?
I am the Communications Officer. I work part-time supporting the development of the communications strategy, leading on the social media strategy, managing the digital communications, responding to media enquiries, developing funding proposals and supporting on events.
Hobbies:
Walking/trekking/urban exploring, climbing, circuit training, partaking in anything ‘arty’ (theatre, installation/performance art, talks, exhibitions), cooking and reading.
Why walking?
My love for walking developed in 2009 whilst I was studying my MA in performance.
Whilst studying I took up urban walking as a practice to create performance walks. These walks, which I would describe as plays for the street, would lead the participant to discover new things about the landscape around them.
Over the last 5 years I have created a lot of these walks which, as you can imagine, has meant I have done a lot of walking.
I often walk the 7 miles from my home in Hackney to the Childnet offices in Brockley, I never get on public transport if the journey is under 30 minutes and I have a true walker’s wardrobe including yellow rain mac.
So yes, I love walking.
Why you are walking 25k for Childnet?
This challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to use something I love as a way to raise money for a truly worthwhile cause.
I have been part of the Childnet team for nearly 4 years now and this is a charity that continues to deliver innovative and award-winning resources and education sessions which develop digital and e-safety skills. Even with just a small team of 9 staff members, Childnet reach thousands of children, parents, carers and teachers in the UK every year. The money raised from this challenge will go towards continuing Childnet’s amazing work by building new resources and delivering more education sessions in schools throughout the UK.
I am absolutely delighted that Childnet said ‘oh, go on then’ to helping me raise money for them.
How do you plan to train?
As well as the Thames Path Challenge this year I have signed up to do the Three Peaks Challenge in August and a series of Reebok Spartan Races in August and October. All of these challenges require exceptional fitness, strength, stamina and dedication therefore I have a training plan that I will be following until September. This involves circuit training, swimming, running and a lot of walking. I have some close friends who are also keen walkers and we have come up with a plan to train by walking some of the London Underground Lines. Our first planned challenge is to walk a hilly route, so probably the Northern Line.
Of course I will also continue to walk to the Childnet Offices a few times a week.
What time are you aiming for?
I am aiming to do the walk in 4 ½ hours, although secretly I would love to be able come in under this time. I will be training hard to exceed my target.
How can we support you?
If you want to come and join the Childnet team and cheer me on, then I will be striding out in a bright orange Childnet t-shirt.
I’ve just set up a JustGiving page so people can donate online via http://www.justgiving.com/Laura-Kate-Jennings
In fact you can donate as little as £2 via text by texting TPCC96 £2 to 70070.
