Carole and Kitty’s Purrfect 100 Mile Challenge
Social Bite supporter Carole is taking on the 100 Mile Challenge this year in support of the movement to end homelessness. helping her complete her miles is her feline companion, Kitty. We caught up to hear how the challenge is going so far.
Carole, Kitty, and a pink stroller ticking off the miles
"Kitty absolutely loves going out in her pink stroller. She's an indoor cat, so she gets to experience a whole different world when we’re out walking. She loves being able to see everything around her, listen to the sounds of nature and watch the world go by.
"The first week was definitely a challenge, mainly because of the weather, but despite that Kitty and I still managed to walk just over 40 miles, which I’m really proud of."
Making connections and bringing smiles
"It’s not just about reaching 100 miles for me. It's about the people we meet along those miles and hopefully making a small difference.
"Kitty is such a caring little cat and one of the highlights was walking to our local old folk’s home with Kitty. It was really special seeing the reaction she got from the people there. She seems to have a way of bringing a smile to people’s faces, and that makes every mile even more meaningful.
"Another really special part has been having Leia, the lady I support, joining us on some of our walks. Leia has Angelman syndrome, and Kitty has really helped her to engage and enjoy being outside. Seeing the two of them together has been incredibly heart-warming.
"For me, that’s what this challenge is really about — connecting with people, getting outside and hopefully bringing a little bit of happiness to others along the way."
A personal challenge
"This challenge is incredibly personal to me because I have experienced homelessness myself.
"I know first-hand how scary and vulnerable it can feel to have nowhere to go and not know what the future holds. At a time when I felt like I had very little, other people helped me along the way. Without the support and kindness of others, I honestly don’t know where I would be today.
"I'm now in a completely different place in my life. I'm a fitness instructor as well as a support worker for adults with additional needs, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to support other people.
"That's why doing this challenge for Social Bite means so much to me. I want to give something back and hopefully help someone who may be experiencing the same fear and uncertainty that I once did."
Looking ahead to the finish line
"When we finally complete the 100 miles, I think Kitty and I will have a well-earned rest!
"I'd like to celebrate by looking back at everything we’ve achieved together — the people we’ve met, the conversations we’ve had, the smiles Kitty has brought to people and, hopefully, the difference our fundraising has made.
"And, of course, Kitty will probably be expecting some extra treats for completing her 100 miles in her pink stroller!"
Get involved
If you’re thinking of taking on a challenge for Social Bite, reach out to our team at community@social-bite.co.uk or take a look at the events below. We’d love to discuss options or how we can support you to reach your goals and support the movement to end homelessness.