My Story

I firmly believe that adventure can change lives. 

Getting outside and challenging myself to do things that I wasn't sure were within my capabilities has made a massive difference to my mental health and sense of self-worth. 

But adventure and the outdoors are often inaccessible to those who need it most, and that's where the YHA comes in. They help young people from low-income households, young carers and those recovering from serious injury and illness get a break away to build their confidence and discover their capabilities.

This year, as many of you already know, I've taken on the frankly ridiculous challenge of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks. Depending on how you know me, your question will either be some variation on 'how?/why/won't your legs fall off?' or 'why don't you try for 100 in 52?' If it's the latter, then you're part of the reason I ended up on this silly little journey, and I expect some cash in the pot as recompense for you being a bad influence.

Running this number of marathons in quick succession is not only a physical endeavour but a logistical one, planning races around work, other life events (if I haven't seen you in the last six months, I'm sorry) and figuring out how on earth I'm going to get there (thank you, train strikes). And I've just decided to make it harder for myself by moving the deadline up a couple of months and aiming to complete my 52nd marathon at the London Marathon next year. (So if I don't see you for the next six months, again, I'm sorry.) 

Any support you can give me will really help when I'm dragging myself out of bed before sunrise and battling blisters, chafing and wet feet. But more importantly, it will help more young people get outdoors and see their full potential.

Thank you!