Marketing Manager, Tina Edwin Takes on 50km Challenge for Charity

A marathon is 26 miles, 42 kilometres. Most people stop there, but for Capital Space’s marketing manager Tina Edwin, going the extra mile – or five – is something she‘s always been good at. That’s why, in October, she’ll be taking on a 50km walking challenge for the Stroke Association and her treasured friends. Here’s how her training is going so far. 

What is the 50km walking challenge? 

A 50km challenge is an endurance test that tests even the most experienced of participants. 30 miles of demanding terrain requires an immense amount of sustained physical effort and mental determination. 

On Saturday, the 10th of October, Tina will take on the Ultra Challenge Kent Downs 50 challenge. The hike takes walkers through rolling countryside and picturesque trails, demanding months of structured training to build stamina. 

Tina expects the 50km trek to take between 10 and 12 hours of continuous walking. To complete such a distance without injury, participants must train through all weather conditions, master their pacing, and maintain hydration across half a day on their feet. For Tina, the trek is not just an endurance goal, but a dedicated effort to raise vital funds for life-changing research and survivor support. 

Tina’s chosen charity is the Stroke Association, who provide irreplaceable support to people who have suffered a stroke, as well conducting powerful research into prevention, treatment and recovery. This is invaluable work for Tina, who is taking on the challenge for a deeply personal reason 

Why is Tina participating in the challenge? 

Tina is taking on this challenge in honour of someone deeply special to her: her cherished friend of over 35 years, Gopi, as well as another dear friend, Anna, and stroke survivors everywhere. 

Tina states: “Twelve years ago, Gopi’s life changed in an instant. In her early 40s, she was a globe-trotting executive assistant, an active mother, and the life and soul of every gathering. A major stroke turned her world upside down without warning. Although she survived against the odds, it marked the start of an extraordinarily difficult journey. With the devotion of her husband and two daughters, Gopi rebuilt her life step by step. Today, she has limited use of her left arm and walks with a stick, yet she maintains her sense of humour and remarkable courage.” 

According to the Stroke Association, a stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, with 100,000 people experiencing a stroke each year and over 1.4 million survivors living with its long-term effects. 

Reflecting on her motivation, Tina said:  

“Watching both Gopi and Anna tackle their individual challenges made me realise how much we take for granted, especially something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. I’m doing this 50km walking challenge for Gopi, for Anna, and for all families whose lives have been changed irrevocably by a stroke.” 

How is Tina’s training going so far?

Training for a 30-mile trek requires consistency, grit, and careful scheduling. Over the past six weeks, Tina has been clocking up the miles through severe summer heatwaves, where temperatures reached the mid-thirties. This is all on top of her extensive duties as Capital Space’s Marketing Manager.  

To manage family commitments alongside work responsibilities at Capital Space, Tina regularly set early morning alarms to complete multi-hour walks before the intense heat kicked in. Despite the tiring weather, the experience brought unexpected bright spots. Tina discovered brand-new local walking trails, captured dozens of photos of wildflowers, and enjoyed regular encounters with local wildlife, including deer along her routes. 

The heavy endurance work takes place throughout September. Alongside her weekend long-distance walks, Tina is organising fundraising bake sales for small business owners and customers based at Churchill Square Business Centre. The supportive atmosphere across Churchill Square and the wider Capital Space business centre network provides a fantastic boost as the main event approaches. 

Tina said: “The real endurance mileage lies ahead of me, but I am looking forward to clocking up the distance and seeing how I cope. So far, my lovely friends, colleagues, and family have helped me raise over £800, which I am delighted with.” 

How can I sponsor Tina?

Tina set an initial target of raising £375, but thanks to the generosity of supporters, colleagues, and friends across the business community, she has already smashed past £800. She is determined to keep going to raise as much as possible for the charity’s vital work. 

You can support Tina’s 50km walk and contribute directly to this cause by visiting her official JustGiving Sponsorship Page. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives. 

Supporting community causes and championing personal resilience reflects the same dedicated ethos that helps small and medium-sized businesses thrive every day. 

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