In March 2024, I will be aiming to fulfil my ultimate ultra running adventure, whilst raising money for two charities that have great personal significance for me. The run will average 50 miles a day for 17 consecutive days, following the classic route from John O’Groats to Lands End. The journey will be over 850 miles on foot and will involve ascent of 16,604 metres (almost twice as high as Mount Everest!).
I will be running to raise funds for the wonderful work of the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) and Hector’s House cat rescue.
As the wife of a former Royal Marine who suffered significant illness and injury following a tour of Afghanistan, our family know of the incredible support provided to serving and veteran Royal Marines by the RMA. This charity helps Marines and their families overcome many of the challenges they face – from life-changing injury or limiting illness and mental health issues to transition to civilian life, and even poverty. They target support to ensure no one is left behind. The RMA is a driving force behind the powerful ‘Lifting the Lid’ mental health campaign in 2022 and subsequent collaborative ‘One is too many’ programme which aims to help combat soldier suicide.
I will also be raising money for Hector’s House Cat Rescue, a local charity in Devon and the saviours of our 3 beautiful rescue cats amongst hundreds more. Hector’s House works predominantly with stray cats who, through no fault of their own, cannot easily be housed. Because of this, most other charities cannot give these cats the help that they so desperately need. Hector’s House and their volunteers work tirelessly to give a chance to every kitten and cat of every age, now matter how poorly or hopeless their situation seems, to be rescued, rehabilitated and rehoused. I am passionate about the work of both of these charities and the chance to give back will be my reason when this run inevitably gets extremely tough!