Friend’s Nine-Day Run Raises Thousands For Alice Ruggles Trust

A friend of a young woman from a village near Market Harborough who was murdered by her former partner has raised more than £10,000 by running 250 miles in nine days.

Lucy Parkinson completed the challenge yesterday, with supporters lining the streets to cheer her over the finish line in Tur Langton, where Alice Ruggles grew up and her parents live.

Alice was 24 when she was murdered following a campaign of stalking and harassment by her former partner. The fundraising challenge marks ten years since her death, with today, the anniversary of her murder.

Lucy crossing the finishing line & with Alice’s parents  Pics: Alice Ruddles Trust

Lucy ran from Newcastle, where Alice went to university and made her home, to Leicester, where the two friends met at school, before finishing in Tur Langton.

The route was the equivalent of almost ten marathons over nine consecutive days and Lucy had never run a marathon before taking on the challenge.

Alice was murdered on 12 October 2016 by her former partner, soldier Trimaan Dhillon, following a campaign of stalking and harassment after their relationship ended.

Lucy took on the challenge to mark the tenth anniversary of Alice’s death and raise money for the Alice Ruggles Trust, set up by her parents Sue Hills and Clive Ruggles to help prevent similar tragedies happening to others.

Alice Ruggles

The charity delivers education programmes to help young people recognise the signs of stalking and unhealthy behaviours in relationships. It also trains professionals in policing, criminal justice, social care and education who may encounter victims or perpetrators of stalking.

The Trust said: “We educate young people, train professionals and campaign for greater responses to stalking across society.

“Every penny that Lucy has raised will be used to continue this vital work. We are extremely grateful to Lucy and cannot thank her enough.”