Jenni runs virtual marathon to raise money for animal charity

“Running is good for keeping healthy and I find it a real boost to help me feel a sense of achievement"

St John's College staff member Jenni Prior is tackling a lockdown feat – or should that be feet?

Jenni, who is Executive Assistant to the Director of Education & Senior Tutor Dr Annis May Timpson, is running a virtual marathon fundraiser in aid of the Blue Cross animal charity, to help pets in need. 

“Our cat Jasper came from the Blue Cross in Cambridge in 2014 so their work means a lot to me,” said Jenni, who has until 31 May to run the 26.2-mile distance in small chunks, but already has a fair few miles under her belt.

Jenni and cat Jasper
Jenni and her cat Jasper, who came from the Blue Cross.

Jenni has enjoyed running and cross country since she was at primary school, when her mum helped coach athletics. She has taken part in various races over the years, including the Great North Run in 2009 and the annual Race for Life 5k, but having her two-year-old daughter running around has tended to put the brakes on her own efforts!

She was keen to get back on the road and now seemed to be the perfect time, when life is rather unsettled and stressful. “Running is good for keeping healthy and I find it a real boost to help me feel a sense of achievement,” said Jenni, who has worked at St John’s for eight years.

The family’s ‘tuxedo’ cat Jasper, who is six, will no doubt take it all in his stride. “He is incredibly friendly, and loves his humans,” said Jenni. “When we went to the Blue Cross to choose a cat, he jumped up on the little shelf in his pen and was pawing at the door/miaowing his head off. We took one look at him and said that’s our cat. He really is a member of the family and we couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Jenni aims to raise £200 for the Blue Cross. She would be grateful for any donations, however small, to inspire her to keep running and support a cause close to her heart.

Visit Jenni’s JustGiving page.

Published: 21/05/2020

• Update 16/06/2020: Jenni completed her virtual marathon and raised £358 + gift aid for the Blue Cross.

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