The Great Wilderness Challenge is a 25 mile run/walk that takes place annually to raise money for a number of charities in the Highlands, and to date has raised over £2 million in the 23 years of the race. More information on the GWC selected charities is available here.

I have already raised over £125 for the GWC charities and as such I am looking to raise more money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, an organisation who provide a tremendous level of support to cancer sufferers and their families on a daily basis.

From the Marie Curie website:
Every minute of every day, someone is being cared for by a Marie Curie Nurse or Healthcare Assistant. We make it possible for someone to live their last days at home, rather than go into hospital.

Working in communities across the UK – from remote Scottish islands through villages and towns to our biggest cities – Marie Curie Nurses now care for around half of all cancer patients who die at home.

Marie Curie Nurses generally work at night – spending eight or nine hours in the patient’s home – allowing carers to rest knowing their loved-one is in safe hands.

In addition to providing care for the patient, Marie Curie Nurses are also there to support carers at what can be an emotional and stressful time.

The presence of a Marie Curie Nurse in the home can often make the difference between the patient being able to remain at home and being admitted to a hospital.

Just £20 will provide one hour of care and support from a Marie Curie Nurse.

With one in three people being affected by cancer at some stage in their lives, and having seen first hand the care and support offered, particularly by the Marie Curie nurses, the difference that this charity can make to the wellbeing of patients and their families is invaluable.

So on 22 August 2009 I will be running the 25 mile route (with ~3000ft climb) of the GWC which will certainly be the biggest running challenge I've ever faced. It should be much more interesting than trotting round a marathon on the roads however and I'm looking forward to a few hours spent running through mountains on the west coast with friends, with Becky, Duncan and Murray coming along for the challenge in order to help celebrate the memory of my father John Brown. Without my dad's support I doubt I would have continued orienteering in my teens, and therefore would have been a very different person. I would never have met a vast number of my favourite people and wouldn't have travelled around Europe for various flagchasing exploits. I also probably wouldn't be of the mindset that running long distances in remote places is fun!

Thanks for any sponsorship you can give, however big or small. It is very much appreciated and your support will be one of the things helping me grind out the miles on the 22nd.