Andover mum to complete year-long fundraising challenge

Kirsty Holmes, from Andover, will be raising money for charities through physical challenges and community events in memory of loved ones and in support of causes close to her family.

She plans on completing half-marathons, 10k runs, cake sales, and sponsored walks - while also caring for her children and home-schooling six of them.

Mrs Holmes said: "Last year I took part in a half-marathon for Sophie’s Legacy at the Royal Parks Half with only three weeks of training.

Kirsty Holmes taking part in the challenges (Image: Kirsty Holmes)

"I decided on New Year's Eve that this year I wanted to support some big charities."

Her 2026 challenge begins with a 33 miles for MND in January and continues with events for the Cavernoma Alliance in February, Kick Start FC in March, and a half-marathon for Sophie’s Legacy in April.

Other months include raising funds through a 10k for Cancer Research in May, supporting Andover Hospice in June, and skydiving for Walking With The Wounded in July.

Personal experiences have shaped her focus.

She will be supporting the British Heart Foundation in November after losing her father in 2024 and due to a family history of heart disease.

Sophie’s Legacy provided support during her daughter’s hospital stays, and Kick Start FC has offered her personal support.

Mrs Holmes said: "My children have picked the SEN Club as they do so much for all children that attend the club.

"I home educate six out of seven of the children and my family are inspired by what I have achieved and by what I’m going to achieve this year."

Her children also took part in this year’s fundraising for Sophie’s Legacy, including walking from Tidworth to Ludgershall and back as part of the 33 miles for MND.

She said her friends and family have supported her "on my big events from the half-marathon to the sky dive."

Mrs Holmes has also lost 12 stone in one year through Slimming World.

She said: "I'm glowing, I have so much more energy than before. I used to be so tired, and pain was unbearable, I was struggling to move, and I couldn't even ride a bike at 23 stone, let alone walk a distance."

Mrs Holmes said: "I’m attending the gym at C13 with personal trainer Claire Addison and Erin, who runs pilates.

Kirsty Holmes with her family (Image: Kirsty Holmes)

"I also attend clubbersize in Ludgershall every fortnight and Tidworth leisure centre, doing aqua fit and bodybump as well as doing park runs on a Saturday with the children and sometimes my husband."

Her husband has also joined Slimming World and lost more than four stone.

Mrs Holmes credits Sharon from Slimming World as a key supporter.

She said: "Sharon from Slimming World has been amazing support, the boost she gives every week."

Now, Mrs Holmes looks forward to this upcoming year as she takes on further challenges to push herself to the limit whilst also helping with more charities.

She said: "The half-marathon I have this year and the skydive will be the biggest challenges. Every single charity that I have picked has done so much in the community around us, from helping with mental health to feeding parents with children in the hospital and so much more.

"If I could pick more charity’s this year  I would as there are so many out there and they don't get herd about so next year the challenge is to do this all again and make more awareness of these little known charity’s even if I don't raise loads it's getting the charity’s name out there and doing this will make others want to do the same.

"I'm hoping by putting these photos up will encourage people not to sit there and struggle with their weight and/or mental health, or not socialise with people because they're scared of what people would say.

"Now I don't care if I'm dancing the wrong moves, I'm still moving around, and I couldn't do that 12 months ago."