Nine locals are setting off on their relay race from Land's End to Teddington in aid of Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston today (Friday, 3 October).

The runners will be covering over 250 miles non-stop and running one extra mile on top of that — in recognition of the fact that the unpaid carers that Crossroads Care supports always go that extra mile.

The team will take it in turns to run, sleep, and recover on a shared minibus.

By providing personalised high-quality home and community respite care and support, Crossroads gives carers a break from their often 24/7 caring roles, whether that is looking after babies and children with profound disabilities or loved-ones living with dementia, including young-onset dementia.

The charity's holistic therapist, Jess West, is one member of the team and has been training hard.

"I've seen first-hand the emotional and physical toll caring takes," she said.

"It's a role that never stops, not even at night. Respite care is more than just a break; it's often a lifeline.

"But I really wanted to go many steps further to help carers, which is why I decided to take on this daunting challenge to help raise as much money as possible, enabling Crossroads to continue providing such an important service and hopefully help even more carers."

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The run has been organised by Stuart Levett, a long-time adventurer who owns Teddington fitness company, Foundry Fitness.

He said: "We are all local and passionate about creating an impact close to home. The commitment carers have to looking after their loved ones is absolutely immense and they do it with little recognition or rest.

"Supporting smaller local charities like Crossroads is vital — they fill gaps in care that larger systems can't always reach. When Jess told me about Crossroads, I felt compelled to try to do something to help such an important group of people."

Also in the team are Martin, Rupert, Michelle, Dave, Kate, Joey and Ed.

To help Crossroads Care continue deliver vital home and community respite care, emotional wellbeing support, and other essential services for often vulnerable carers, donate here.

The runners are expected to finish their race on Sunday (5 October), and to celebrate, locals are invited to attend the welcome back party at The Builders Arms pub in Teddington on Sunday at 1pm and cheer the team over the finish line.