This week we spent time with local resident Millie Kohler to hear all about an annual sporting event that takes place every Summer.

Every June since 2012, an event has taken place in Haslemere that sees people walking, running and pedalling their way along a 22 mile route from Blackdown to Lurgashall. The event was set up by Millie’s late husband Rod Kohler along with Adrian Thorneycroft, Mike Rowland, Duncan Smith, Mark Valentine, Simon Black, Simon Thorn and Frank Hewitt. Back then, the idea was to create a running event that wasn't quite as long as a marathon (although in reality, for those completing the full course, we should warn you that it might as well be a marathon with all the hills we have around here)! 

Since then, the event has seen a few tweaks making it accessible to more people. So don't worry - if you're not up to the whole gruelling 22 miles, you can opt for a much shorter version these days. Last year saw 25 people tackle the full course with dozens more opting for the shorter routes. The event now attracts well over 100 participants a year, with those taking part choosing to walk, run or pedal (on road or off road) across beautiful countryside. The event finishes up in Lurgashall where participants enjoy a delicious meal together. 

This year is no exception.  Whereas meals have previously been enjoyed together at The Noah’s Ark, ever increasing numbers now means they will be enjoying a meal together at Orchard Park Farm. Millie is already planning to serve up a delicious paella for everyone to enjoy and to fuel up on after their efforts.

Millie lost her husband to Pancreatic Cancer in 2018 and since then, this event has been a way to honour his legacy. Millie said, ‘If only these 7 men realised what they started all those years ago, I think even they would be amazed.’ She continued, ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart’ to all those who take part each year.

Millie’s good works extend to the Haslemere Food Bank too. For nearly 2 years now, Millie has been cooking up delicious and nutritious homemade soup for clients. Each week, this is frozen, ready for them to take home, heat and serve. We are told that the favourite flavour seems to be those where she adds lots of delicious cheese!! All this whilst juggling working in a local estate agency.

Some of you may also recognise Millie’s name from her recent fundraising efforts for the Haslemere hospital. Thanks to her and her Mum raising nearly £3000, the outpatient’s department has been newly painted and has new flooring throughout. Her efforts are already being appreciated by both the nursing teams and medical staff as well as those receiving treatment.

However, this is a small dip in the ocean compared to Millie’s fundraising efforts. Over the years, Millie and her three daughters (along with help from other family and friends) have raised over £50,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Action. 

Pancreatic Cancer Action is a local charity that was founded by Ali Stunt. Since 2010, Ali has devoted her life to improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Ali received her pancreatic cancer diagnosis when she was just 41 years old. By the time she was eventually diagnosed, she was just weeks away from being too late for life-saving surgery to remove her pancreas. In reality, it was a last-minute referral from her husband’s private medical insurance that saved her life. She is currently in the 1% of people who survive pancreatic cancer beyond 10 years.

Pancreatic Cancer Action is also the only UK charity that specifically focuses on improving cancer survival rates through early diagnosis. The world is currently seeing an increase in pancreatic cancer rates and, sadly, survival rates following a diagnosis are poor - it has just a 7.9% five-year survival rate in the UK. This is, in large part, because it’s so late to be detected – over 80% of cases are only detected once the cancer has already metastasised. Historically, it was a cancer that was linked with older males but it’s now affecting a younger generation of not just men, but also women.

It’s not too late to sign up to Rod’s Runners if you fancy a challenge…. If you would like to get involved in this years’ Rod’s Runners event, whether on foot or by bike, it will be taking place on Sunday June 14th. You can sign up here.