Charles Meyrick
Huntley's Handbrakes
Fundraising for Oxfam GB
Story
Huntley‘s Handbrakes Conquer the …. South Downs.
The Challenge
A gruelling 100km in 18 hours, up and down dale. Ok, up and down the South Downs.
Less is More
An event which the Gurkhas recognise as character shaping, an event for which athletes train over an intense 6 month period, an event which calls for teams of 4 committed runners to support each other through the mental and physical anguish that is, ‘Trailwalker.’
And leading the charge of professionalism come Huntley’s Handbrakes. Our motto is ‘less is more’, perhaps not the most inspired choice of moniker when on a fundraiser.
So what do we mean by ‘less is more’?
The Who’s Who of Professional Athletics
Let’s start with the runners. Why have a team of 4, when 3 will do? The magic number; body, mind and spirit; the rising, midday and setting sun; heaven, earth and … umm, er, somewhere else.
I could go on, three wishes (we’ll need them), three little pigs (much more apt), and the Huntley runners, ‘Pieman’, ‘Midlife’ and ‘Billy Wong’.
This dream team was meant to be, and brought together by the fates.
Brothers in arms, and corralled by the inspirational leadership skills of Midlife, this team has already battled adversity and challenge to get to the start line. Where to begin?
Midlife has already covered miles and marathons this year. But a desperately disappointing marathon time (less time in make-up would have seen him finish with the leading pack), brought out the warrior, and he unleashed hell. His challenge, to run free, to release metrosexuals everywhere from the chains of mirrors and manmetics. It’s a great cause, and it will look pretty. Back this man.
Mr Wong booked the first flight available from Hong Kong to make up Team Huntley, when told via long distance comms that it was ‘free’. Imagine the pain when he realised ‘free’ was ‘three’. We are still unsure whether radio silence from the Far East is the result of a charity induced catatonia, or more likely the fact that Mr Wong’s successful new venture, Godman Socks, is keeping him busy. Back this man, his socks will fill every boot in Hong Kong.
Pieman is using Trailwalker as an opportunity to further medical science. Never before has such a challenge been approached on a strict regime of jam tarts and armchair athletics. Pieman has unselfishly and altruistically offered to hang the benefits of cheap foodstuffs from his faultless physique, to test the effects of a sugar only intake over 100km. Back this man, he’s hungry.
Executive Operations
It’s not just about the running. Huntley’s Handbrakes are managed, supported, and driven by a unique executive team of Operational Black Belts.
From 5am starts on a winter’s morning through to the finish-line at Brighton racecourse, Team Huntley will be on hand to shout abuse encouragement to our athletic trinity.
Why Give
Joking apart, charity fatigue apart, recession apart, rising tax bills apart, this masochistic, insane journey across the South Downs is done for the benefit of others. Others who will benefit from your donations.
When we say ‘less is more’, what we mean is one big cheque will do. Each. Thanks.