AddThis SmartLayers

Ex-regional daily couple team up for pre-Christmas charity challenge

A husband and wife team who met while working on a regional daily are bidding to raise hundreds of pounds in a pre-Christmas charity challenge.

Charlotte Cross and Mark Mudie, former chief reporter and news editor respectively on Wolverhampton’s Express & Star, are aiming to run 100 kilometres in one month.

The idea was dreamed up by Charlotte, who is also a former HoldtheFrontPage journalist and now works for ITV Central.

All money raised will go to charity Family Action, which provides help, support and Christmas goodies for families struggling with poverty or escaping domestic abuse.

Mark and Charlotte ahead of the start of their challenge

Mark and Charlotte ahead of the start of their challenge

Charlotte said: “Christmas is coming – and our family always has such a wonderful time celebrating together. But as a journalist, you meet so many people struggling at this time of year. I always think of those families battling poverty, ill-health – or those escaping domestic violence situations.

“For those people, far from being a time to celebrate with family, Christmas can just cause stress and anxiety. I just wanted to do something to help.”

Mark, who now works as a government press officer, added: “People have been so generous so far – we started off aiming to raise £500, and we’re already more than 70pc of the way there.

“Hopefully we can get even more. Family Action is a great cause – they say every £15 can buy a present for a child who might not get one otherwise. Neither of us is what you’d call a ‘natural runner’ so it’s going to be an interesting month.”

100km is the equivalent of 5k a day for 20 days, or just under 2.5 marathons. The challenge began on Saturday and ends on December 17.

To donate, click here.