31 marathons in 31 days for Rays of Sunshine
Local legend Laura Bird has revealed her next superhuman challenge will see her complete 31 full marathons in 31 days.
Laura, from St Ives, Cambridgeshire, announced the challenge today on her 33rd birthday.
She will complete the 31 marathons in May 2026, with the aim of raising £31,000. It comes just one year since her last big fundraiser, in which she became the first woman ever to complete the London Marathon with a 25kg fridge on her back
As with her “Fridge Runner” challenge, Laura’s “31 Days of Sunshine” fundraiser will be in support of Rays of Sunshine – the charity which grants magical wishes to seriously and terminally ill children in the UK, and provides ongoing support in the community and hospitals.
Laura was made an official Ambassador of the charity in 2024, following her London Marathon achievement, wherein she also raised more than £15,000 to fund 10 wishes.
Rays of Sunshine brightens the lives of seriously and terminally ill children across the UK by granting magical wishes and providing ongoing support in hospitals and within the community.
She said:
“I’m no stranger to an ‘out-there’ fundraising challenge,”
“But I really do believe what I’m doing is still no where near as brave as what the young people Rays of Sunshine supports do on a daily basis.”
Laura plans to complete her 31 marathons mainly around the St Ives and Cambridge areas, with some further afield. Training for the incredible feat has already begun.
“I’m working hard to build up my stamina for what I know is going to be a really tough challenge – even by my standards,” she says.
“I’m really grateful that I have a brilliant community of people around me, as well as the support of Rays of Sunshine."
“Every time I struggle, I know I’ll find strength in the fact every mile is helping to put a bit of magic back into the lives of poorly children.”
On top of her own challenge, Laura says there are plenty of ways for supporters in Cambridgeshire and beyond to get involved in the fun.
She’s inviting anyone who is interested to join her for any distance, whether it’s 1km, 5km, 10km or a half marathon.
Additionally, any local businesses interested in sponsoring one of her marathons are asked to get in touch.
Amy Chambers, CEO at Rays of Sunshine, says:
“Laura continues to inspire us all with her extraordinary determination and heart."
“Her challenges capture the true spirit of Rays of Sunshine: finding joy, strength and togetherness even in the toughest circumstances."
“The funds and awareness she’s raising will help us grant more magical wishes and bring hope to children and families who need it most. We couldn’t be prouder to have her as an Ambassador."
## You can already show your support for Laura by heading to her JustGiving page:
[https://www.justgiving.com/page/31-days-of-sunshine](https://www.justgiving.com/page/31-days-of-sunshine)
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