If you’d told us a year ago that we’d be standing on the start line of a 100 mile ultramarathon to help build a wellbeing space for children at Dussindale Primary School, we probably wouldn’t have believed you.

Yet that’s exactly what happened.

Our goal was simple. Cover 100 miles, raise £10,000, and help create a space where children can feel safe, supported and heard when they need it most.

The race itself was everything we expected and more. It was beautiful, brutal and one of the toughest challenges either of us has ever faced.

The flat roads of Scotland felt like the hills of Norfolk. Every mile demanded something from us. We kept moving, kept eating and kept believing.

Around 50 miles, the first signs of trouble appeared. Severe shin pain began creeping in after long stretches on the road, while blisters became harder and harder to manage. At the 58 mile checkpoint, the medics taped up the damage so we could carry on into the night.

As the hours passed, the pain only intensified. At the next checkpoint, the blisters had to be drained just to get shoes back on. We weren’t ready to give up and kept pushing forward, hoping things would improve.

At 78 miles, everything changed.

The shin pain had become too severe, and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to stop. It wasn’t the ending I’d dreamed of, and walking away from the race was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.

But this story isn’t defined by a DNF.

From the very first mile, Oli stayed by my side. He matched my pace, kept me moving through the toughest moments and never let the mission slip from sight. When I could go no further, he carried on alone.

More than ten hours later, after digging deeper than I can honestly imagine, Oli crossed the finish line and completed all 100 miles for our cause.

I am unbelievably proud of what he achieved. He didn’t just finish a race. He carried our mission all the way to the end.

Together, we achieved something far bigger than either of us could have imagined.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people, we’ve now raised over £7,000 towards our £10,000 target.

Every donation brings us closer to creating a dedicated outdoor wellbeing space at Dussindale Primary School. A place where children can take a moment when life feels overwhelming, where they can talk, regulate their emotions and receive support in a safe, calming environment.

Mental health affects every family in some way. If this space helps even one child feel heard, safe or understood when they need it most, every painful mile will have been worth it.

To every person who has donated, sponsored us, shared our story or simply cheered us on, thank you. You have carried this mission just as much as we have.

Now we’re asking for one final push.

The race is over, but the mission isn’t.

We’re just £3,000 away from making this project a reality. If you’ve been following our journey but haven’t yet donated, or if you’re able to share our page one more time, it would mean the world.

Let’s finish what we started.

Let’s build something that will support children for generations to come.