A Norwich resident has taken on a demanding endurance challenge to raise funds and awareness for a small volunteer-led fox rescue charity.

Norwich resident Tessa Killingbeck, 43, set herself the challenge of completing 1,000 cycling miles and 100 running miles in just 25 days during February in support of the Fox Angels Foundation, a volunteer group that helps wild foxes across the UK, including some in Norfolk.

Tessa is an artist and designer behind the Norwich greetings card brand KillingB Designs.

The challenge was condensed into 25 days as Tessa was due to be away for the final three days of the month, leaving less time to complete the miles than the usual 28 days in February. The short month, combined with some of the coldest, wettest and windiest weather of the year, made the task even more difficult.

The effort grew out of an initiative called “25 Miles in February for Fergie”, launched by Lynne Driscoll, Chair of Fox Angels Foundation, along with Neil Featherby, who had adopted the fox. The challenge was created to celebrate the life of a special fox named Fergie, who died on Christmas Eve, and to help spread awareness of the charity while encouraging people to get moving outdoors in whatever way they could.

Participants were encouraged to take part through movement and fresh air, with the emphasis on inclusion so that even those with limited mobility could get involved.

Fergie’s story touched many people. The fox had been domesticated and later abandoned, and was eventually found wandering in Horsham St Faith begging for food and water. Unlike most wild foxes, Fergie would not return to the wild. He would only eat cooked food and was known for his gentle nature, happily jumping into people’s laps, chasing a ball and acting as a therapy fox for both seniors and children.

The original “25 Miles for Fergie” challenge soon escalated when 67-year-old marathon runner Neil Featherby increased his own goal to 100 miles for the month. Neil is a long-time running enthusiast who recorded a marathon time of 2:17:35 in Berlin in the mid-1980s. He has also run every single day since 25 July 1981, following a tradition similar to the late Ron Hill, who famously maintained a daily running streak for over 52 years.

By 23 February 2026, Neil had reached 16,284 consecutive days of running, meaning the 100 miles for February represent only a tiny fraction of his remarkable 44-year streak.

During a conversation with Neil, Tessa suggested she would try to match Neil’s 100 miles of running while also attempting to cycle 1,000 miles in the same month – an ambitious idea she later admitted she immediately regretted!

The challenge began strongly, with Tessa reaching 502 miles in just over 13 days. However, a knee issue forced a change of plan. She switched to using the sit-down static bikes at the University of East Anglia, which reduced pressure on the knee while also avoiding traffic and harsh weather conditions.

From there she aimed to complete the remaining 498 miles on the exercise bike, while converting the final 60 running miles into fast walking in order to still reach the overall target.

Tessa said she is extremely grateful to everyone who has sponsored her so far. With only a few days remaining in the February Fox Challenge for Fergie, she faced the demanding task of completing 8.5 miles of walking and 54.8 miles on the static bike each day to reach the finish line by 25 February.

While Neil’s 100 miles looked to be safely in hand, he has also been caring for several foxes. Sadly, another fox in his care, Zelda – who had lived with him for three years – also died this month.

Supporters hope that the challenges will help highlight the work of Fox Angels Foundation, whose volunteers provide care and assistance to foxes that often need help surviving.

Those wishing to support Tessa’s fundraising challenge can donate via her GoFundMe page, while more information about the charity’s work can be found through the Fox Angels Foundation links online.