Running 84 at 66 with great friends for great causes.....

84 at 66….

Having ran the 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall twice in the past - 2008 over 3 days with a cumulative running time of 14 hours, 49 mins and 46 secs and then again in 2018 when we completed it in 23 hours 18 mins and 21 secs (actual running time just over 19 hours), during the last few weeks I have been wondering if I could now at the age of 66 once again complete the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge in a decent time.

I would be telling lies if I said I didn’t have a few doubts in the back of my mind as during the last couple of years I have reluctantly had to force myself into coming to terms with the fact that my running ability of years ago is long gone. As the saying goes ‘the mind is willing, but the body isn’t.’ Having an inguinal hernia hasn’t helped but then that’s my fault for not getting it operated on.

So, and with this in mind I made the decision to go for it once again whilst stepping up the training but rather than blurt things out as I have done in the past, I kept it to myself for a month or so before telling just a few of my very close friends. Some of these close friends are also joining me on this next journey too – Craig Bowen Jones, Karen Grapes, Chas Allen, plus Steph Jones and Tracey Bowen Jones for support.

“When are you thinking of?” I was asked. “Let’s go for July 24th which will represent me having ran every single day for 43 years” I replied.

So that was it – a date in the diary and now it’s official!

How long will it take? Who knows? We are hoping to start around midday on the 24th and all being well finish some time during the following day. No pressure of course!

As with all the previous challenges I (and friends) have taken on in the past, apart from testing myself personally, there has also been causes close to my heart which we have fund raised for.

Since 2021 though, I have also been so much more hands on with some of the causes particularly with the Hallswood Animal Sanctuary which I attend every day of the week.

I have a huge love for dogs and all animals and whilst rescuing sick, ill and even unwanted animals can be so very rewarding, it can also be distressing and heartbreaking too.

Separate to Hallswood, I do also have some links with The Pact and Hillside Animal Sanctuaries as well as The Fox Angels Foundation and two dog rescues (NI Dog Rescue & Pawpers in The Ruff) for which they all work so tirelessly whilst needing continuous financial support.

Further to this – there is one other very special cause close to our hearts who we and my business Sportlink in Norwich try to fund raise for and that is the brilliant Nelson’s Journey Charity who care for young, bereaved persons.

There will of course be another driving force which will keep me going when everything else says stop and that will be all those loved ones - family, friends and my dogs/animals who whilst they are no longer here, they are still very much in my heart and mind. Needless to say, Craig, Chas and Karen will have their own deep personal inner forces driving them on when the going gets tough.

Our fund-raising target is £3,500 - £500 for each cause. However, and whilst it might prove to be a big ask, whatever the final total is, I know each one of them will be so very grateful.

I have always said that while you think you still can then do it. Come July 24th – we will see!

Every single £ raised will go to our causes as even just £1 helps make a difference for them. Thank you to all in advance who would like to support our challenge. Neil and The Team - Craig, Karen, Chas, Steph and Tracey.