Megan’s 5k-a-day challenge to thank children’s ward that cared for big sister

A teenager from Holsworthy has finished a month-long fundraising challenge in aid of her local NHS.

Megan Fry, aged 16, set herself the task of completing five kilometres a day throughout May to thank the hospital that cared for her big sister Chloe during Covid.

Megan walked, ran or rode the distance each day, joined by trusty collie Pip, raising more than £1,000 for the Caroline Thorpe children’s ward at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.

Above: Megan Fry and Pip saw sunrises and sunsets together during their month long adventure to raise money for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity. Credit: Chloe Evelyn Photography

Together, they covered 155km – more than three-and-a-half marathons – in 31 days.

Completing her month-long challenge at Northcott Mouth Beach near Bude on May 31, Megan said she and Pip saw sunrises and sunsets during their month-long adventure together.

“Some of the runs were quite difficult with lots of hills but it was good to get out and raise some money for the hospital that did so much for my sister when she was poorly,” said Megan, who goes to Duchy College.

“Sadly, we were unable to visit Chloe due to Covid but the nurses who cared for her in Caroline Thorpe were amazing and not only looked after her medically but did things like plait her hair to make her feel that little bit better.

“They were always on her side and tried their best to make her and us feel as comfortable as possible in that situation. Thanks to them, Chloe has made a full recovery and is living her normal life.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to such a brilliant cause.”

Above: Megan Fry (right) and Pip with her sister Chloe, who inspired the pair to take on the fundraising challenge and who owes her recovery to the NHS. Credit: Chloe Evelyn Photography

Kate Constable, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity community fundraiser, said: “Megan is such an inspiration and we can’t thank her enough for taking on such an epic challenge in aid of her local hospital.

“The money she has raised though her '5k a Day in May' challenge will help the team on Caroline Thorpe to do even more for other local families over and above what’s possible with NHS funding.”

Anyone who would still like to donate to Megan’s fundraising can do so at https://rdhc.enthuse.com/pf/megan-fry