A Cockenzie and Port Seton resident is nearing the end of a challenge to clock up 10 miles every single day this year.
Jackie Muller, 58, set herself the task to raise money for Seton Sands Community Ponies and War Horse Ukraine.
She has managed to keep going almost every day, come rain or shine, walking, cycling or swimming to hit the daily milestone.
She has completed 3,912 miles since January 1 – comparable to the length of the Yangtze River in China.
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Jackie told the Courier why she took on the challenge.
She said: “I have walked past the Seton Sands Community Ponies almost every day for several years – they always make me smile and I am not alone.
“I often see other people there: small children on tiptoe looking through the fence, older folks just leaning and watching whilst taking a break.
“I think we just all take for granted that they are there – they are such an important part of the whole village.”
The money she raises will go towards paying for necessities such as hay and food, which will enable the ponies to remain a part of the community.
But, combined with this desire to help the local ponies, Jackie also wanted to help the animals caught up in the ongoing war in Ukraine, with half of the funds raised going to War Horse Ukraine.
She added: “The situation [in Ukraine] is not getting any better, and it’s incredible how many animals suffer during war.”
But Jackie, the secretary of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council, has faced all sorts of conditions in the past 10 months, stressing that some days it had been hard to find the motivation for such a long-term commitment.
She said: “I think some days, wouldn’t it be nice to not go out and walk, especially when the weather is bad, or having to get up at 5am.
“You have to find the things that keep you motivated!”
She added that remembering why she was taking on the challenge remained the biggest motivation.
So far, she has missed only two days, due to having Covid, but she has already surpassed the 10-mile daily goal with nearly two months to go.
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Jackie’s fitness has also taken a massive upturn due to all the exercise, making the challenge easier day by day.
She said: “From a fitness point of view, it is getting easier. My legs are getting stronger and my fitness is better.
“But some days can still be harder.”
The total raised already sits at £3,547, split between a GoFundMe page and cash donations Jackie has received directly.
She said: “I know that things are tough at the moment.
“For the community to get on board and support something like this, it is a wonderful feeling.
She added that it was special to feel that she was making a difference in the village and at the community’s heart.
Those wishing to donate as Jackie reaches the final stages of her challenge can do so by visiting gofundme.com/f/please-help-support-seton-sands-commumity-ponies
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