Dental professional embarks on extreme running events to aid charity

YEOVIL'S dental hygienist Rafina O'Brien is getting ready to push her limits in support of Dentaid The Dental Charity.

Ms O'Brien is preparing to run an incredible total of 300kms in three summer events.

For each event, Ms O’Brien will face a daunting distance of 100kms over a challenging terrain she must complete within a 24-hour time frame.

She's starting with the Jurassic Coast Ultra Marathon in May, then she heads to the Cotswold Challenge in June, and finally wrapping up her monumental effort at the Peak District Challenge a few weeks later.

Ms O' Brien acknowledged the numerous hurdles that lie ahead as she said: "I've run marathons before but never done anything like this.

"But I wanted to see what I could do."

She also said: "There’s not much time between them so staying fit is also a challenge but I have an armed forces background and a training programme that includes lots of hills so I’m hoping I’ll be OK."

Dentaid's fundraising events help facilitate the organisation's outreach dental clinics to the vulnerable.

The clinics are spread across the UK and they visit soup kitchens, hostels, shelters and community buildings.

They rely on volunteers to provide dental care for individuals experiencing homelessness, abuse, poverty and harm.

Ms O'Brien said: "Dentaid has been around for a long time and I've always been aware of its work".

As well as putting in the miles, O’Brien is also volunteering for the BrightBites oral health programme and on a charity dental unit to get involved.

She is working towards a personal fundraising goal of £500 for these efforts.

Ms O'Brien's dedication has caught the eye of her colleagues at Colosseum Dental in Yeovil, who have rallied to organise fundraising events and support her on her race days.

Ms O’ Brien said: "It's wonderful to know my colleagues and patients are rooting for me.

"It is a long way, but I'll have my support crew and am looking forward to getting going."

Ms O'Brien has setup a fundraising page for those who want to sponsor her.

To learn more about Dentaid The Dental Charity and the work they do, please visit their website.