257km Ultra Marathon for Silx Teen Bar & Daniel

I’m taking on a self-supported 257km ultra marathon to raise money for Silx Teen Bar Youth Project and for Daniel because both are supporting young people who are being failed by systems that are supposed to protect them.

This ultra isn’t about medals or times.

It’s about pushing myself to the edge to support young people who need help now not eventually.

Silx Teen Bar Youth Project (Blyth, Northumberland)

Silx Teen Bar is a multi-award-winning local charity that has supported young people in Blyth since 1996.

They provide a free, safe, and welcoming space for young people aged 11–19, and continued support for 16–25-year-olds through:

Youth sessions and activities

Mental health and emotional wellbeing support

Outreach work with young people who don’t engage with services

Employability support including CV help, training, and access to resources

Life-skills support for those who need stability, guidance, and somewhere safe to go

For many young people locally, Silx isn’t “just” a youth club it’s a lifeline.

They do this work with limited funding, and every donation helps them continue supporting young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

Daniel’s Story

Daniel is a teenage boy with extremely complex needs.

He lives with his mum in a two-bedroom adapted bungalow which, for now, just about meets his needs.

Next year, that will change.

Daniel is due to undergo major spinal surgery. The surgery is scheduled. It is happening. Once it does, his physical needs will increase significantly. He will require more space, specialist equipment, and safer accessibility. His current home will no longer be suitable for him to return to.

Mum did everything she was told to do.

She asked to be prioritised for a three-bedroom bungalow and was refused.

She was then told to find a private rental property that could be adapted using a Disabled Facilities Grant. She found a suitable property, with a landlord willing to offer an unlimited tenancy and allow major adaptation works.

The grant application was refused.

The reason given was that Daniel’s current home meets need — despite the council acknowledging that the surgery is happening.

This has left the family trapped.

Once Daniel has surgery, he risks having no safe, suitable home to return to.

Funds raised will go towards essential adaptations so Daniel can live safely, with dignity, and with appropriate space once his needs increase following surgery.

Why 257km

This is a self-supported ultra marathon no crew, no shortcuts.

It will be physically and mentally brutal, but that discomfort is temporary.

What Daniel and many of the young people supported by Silx are dealing with is not.

How you can help

Donate if you’re able

Share if you can’t

Help shine a light on situations that shouldn’t be happening

Every donation and every share makes a real difference.

Thank you for supporting Silx Teen Bar and Daniel ❤️