AN INSPIRING brother and sister have called on families to support a leading hospice charity by taking on the 30 in 30 challenge.

More than 500 people have donated to Havens Hospices’ virtual fundraising campaign, which was set up due to the coronavirus pandemic resulting in numerous fundraising events being cancelled.

The 30 in 30 virtual campaign runs until August 31 and challenges people to walk, run or cycle 30 miles across 30 days.

Brother and sister Sophie and Adam Horne smashed the target by cycling 100 miles in just over 30 days, raising £200 in the process.

And the Basildon youngsters want other members of the local community to follow in their footsteps by committing valuable funds to Havens.

Six-year-old Adam said: “We think it is important to support those who are helping others even though they have families of their own to look after.

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“We found the challenge exciting and one time when we rode through the park, we saw four baby geese.

“When the challenge was over, we were relieved. We wanted to help Havens Hospices as quickly as we could.”

Sophie, 10, added: “The charity plays a vital role and they are really kind people who put others before themselves. I’m pleased to have helped make people feel happier.”

Money raised through the 30 in 30 challenge will enable Havens to continue providing essential hospice care.

Sarah Franklin, a Little Havens volunteer from Shoeburyness, walked 10km each day in May.

She completed five charity walks last year, four of which were marathon distance or further, so was not planning to complete any more fundraising challenges until the Covid-19 pandemic hit drove her to put her walking shoes on for the charity close to her heart.

Sarah, whose parents also volunteer at Fair Havens, said: “Even if I can only a raise a little bit, every pound raised helps provide care for our patients during very difficult times of their lives.

“I have witnessed first-hand the amazing work the charity does and my family’s volunteering work came about because of a family friend who was cared for and passed away at Little Havens when she was 15.”

Sarah raised £270 and exceeded her target by completing 341km.

To sign up for the 30 in 30 challenge, visit havenshospices.org.uk/30in30