Bill and Laura are running a half marathon!
Laura Thomson is raising money for Embracing Arts (Christmas for Kids)
Story
Bill and Laura are taking part in Parallel Windsor: the world's first inclusive mass participation event, with disability at the heart of it. Whilst we will both be running, in this event you can also walk, push or be pushed over a range of distances, with thousands hopefully raised for disability charities.
We are raising money for Christmas for Kids, a charity close to our hearts. Every year, it creates and delivers free shows to children's hospices all over the country. Audiences are unique in the range of disabilities and their needs, from life-limiting illnesses to profound multiple learning difficulties. With multi-sensory, interactive, fun and accessible shows filled with singing, storytelling, puppetry and lots of silliness, at this often difficult time of year, we bring the magic to them.
A bit from Laura:
Hello! I'm Laura, a complete beginner and lifetime hater of running because, well, it HURTS. But I wanted to challenge myself and when I heard about this event and realised I could raise some money for Christmas for Kids, I found the motivation I needed. So I downloaded the Couch to 5k app, Michael Johnson kindly came on board as my running coach and I'm not far off doing my first ever moderately-enjoyable 5k run. I'm still waiting for it to become pain free though...!
I was lucky enough to become part of the C4K team back in 2018 and have done three shows with them as a performer and team leader. And last year I joined as an associate writer on the first digital C4K tour. I love who the company is, what it does and why it does it so I'm really excited to be part of the C4K Parallel team alongside my 'hilarious' other half, Bill Bohling.
A bit from Bill:
'Hi Cilla, my name is Bill and I am an implementation manager from London...' - is how I would have introduced myself on Blind Date, so I think it will do nicely here. I used to be a really keen runner but fell out of love with it, and in love with a beautiful Christmas for Kids performer called Laura, so am delighted to be part of the C4K Parallel team.
I decided to run for Christmas for Kids after spending the first lockdown with Harry, Benson and Maurice (the famous C4K puppets) and after seeing first-hand the wonderful work they do to support children throughout the UK. I would love to see the three of them back out on the road in 2021 or 2022, whenever is safe.