A mother and daughter duo from Teddington, London, have taken their fundraising efforts overseas, completing their fifth challenge event for Momentum.

Jackie Mitchell and Bizzy Watson completed Le Marathon des Châteaux, in Pauillac, France, on 2 September. The annual race, which has been taking place since 1985, is famous for its wine tasting stalls, which participants can enjoy drinking as they make their way around the course!

Jackie and Bizzy have a very special reason for raising money for Momentum Children’s charity. Bizzy’s childhood best friend, Kiera, sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2007, aged just 11. Bizzy and Jackie share their story:

Bizzy said:

“Kiera was such a great friend. Being an only child, she used to delight in joining me by winding up my younger brother! She was always the creative one – there were many crafting projects that we would start together – hers would end up amazing, mine would be unfinished!

Despite being smaller than it is now, Momentum was incredibly supportive when Kiera was unwell. As well as our trip to see Mamma Mia (in a limo no less!), one of the main things that was so important was having designated time for Kiera and others having treatment. Simple things made such a difference and showed that someone was thinking of them. 

I’ve taken part in five races on behalf of Momentum, with varying degrees of success (both the running and the money raised!). Of the last three races, we’ve managed to fundraise more than £1800!

Taking part in fundraising challenges with my mum keeps me accountable. I trained for the races I’ve done with my mum whilst I was living at home – I wouldn’t have got through half of them if I didn’t have her to drag me round the training (both mentally and physically!!).”

Jackie said:

“Le Marathon des Châteaux was fantastic! It has more of a festival vibe than a serious race, and you are actively encouraged to indulge in the local produce which is available at stalls around the route. There were 24 wine stops – over half of them had bands playing and one even had a chocolate fountain!  At each of the wine stops you could top up as many times as you liked. During the last 5km, we ate oysters, steak, cheese and ice cream from the stalls – delicious!

Fancy dress is encouraged, and this year’s theme was Gastronomy – Bizzy and I went as a full English Breakfast and an Afternoon Tea. A friend kindly made our fantastic outfits. One of the most popular costumes was a naked chef, where the runner wore an apron and a thong – not pleasant to run behind!

We got round the course in 5 hours 52 mins which we are pleased with! That evening there was an organised after party and fireworks! All in all, it was a fantastic event with a great atmosphere, loads of partying and plenty to eat and drink!

Bizzy and I love taking on challenges, and by doing them together, we are able to motivate each other, and by raising donations, it makes us try harder too! 

Momentum is an incredibly important charity to support, both for the children going through their treatment, hospital appointments and missing out on key moments of their childhood, but also for their families, who not only want to help them as they go through it, but also try to make life “normal” when it can be. The respite, trips away, activities and support at hospitals are what people need to help improve such a hard time in their life. Everyone at Momentum, with a special shout out to Bianca, is incredible.”