MOMENTOUS EFFORT FOR MOMENTUM

Please note this run has been postponed until 25/26th June 2011.  This will allow us more time to promote the event and raise sponsorship.  A big thank you to those of you who have already donated.  Please be assured that your donation will be carried over to next year.

 

Serious training started just before Christmas, meeting three times a week, without fail.  Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6pm after work (you recall, it was a tough winter) and 8am on Sundays – no lie-in for these guys! Now with the lighter evenings, running has increased to as many outings as possible.  These sessions take place on the hills around Hindhead and the Devil’s Punchbowl, but the three regular runs remain at the centre of their regime.

 

First question: “What is it all about? Why choose to leave a comfy sofa or a warm cosy bed, for the rigours of training on wet, cold, dark early mornings and evenings? Well the reason for the training is an epic 100 mile run, non-stop, along the complete course of the South Downs Way, from East to West – Eastbourne to Winchester.

 

Second question: “Why?” Simple answer, for Momentum, the independent Kingston, based charity, which aids and supports families with children who have cancer and life-limiting conditions in Surrey.

 

The four runners have supported this charity before, but on this occasion they want to do something really demanding and really special which catches the public attention and hopefully persuades them that the cause is worth giving to.

 

Paul Viney and Peter Clement have been running together for 30 years.  They are aged 59 and 54 respectively.  They began training with twins, William and Oliver Southon, 5 years ago and in 2008 they completed an 80 mile non-stop trail run for Momentum, raising over £10,000. 

 

What is the motivation for these intrepid runners? Paul Viney says: “Peter lost his son Lewis to cancer at 20 years of age. Lewis loved trail running and used to accompany his Dad and I on our runs.  So since he died in 2001, I have always tried to raise money in his name for good causes and our plan is to keep on doing all we can for Momentum to support the great work it does.” Oliver and Will Southon were best friends with Lewis and that is why they want to run with us.

 

 

Paul lives in Waterlooville and has his own business, Tudor Construction, fitting timber and PVC windows . Peter is Chairman of Clement Windows, an old family company who manufacture steel windows and doors, mainly for 1930’s homes and historic buildings.

 

William and Oliver, who are both University graduates, operate Brickfield Construction, a firm which specialises in the extension and restoration of traditional buildings.

 

So these guys are very busy people, but this next year's run for Momentum is right at the top of their agenda for 2011. There will be no hiding place for any lack of preparation, condition or fitness.  They must be in top shape to finish this gruelling course, which involves over 7,000 ft of climb...and some say the ascent is easier than the descent on the Downs...Ouch!!

 

The event, which starts at noon on Friday 25th June from Eastbourne Rugby Club, begins with a steep trail up on to the high ridge of the South Downs. Following the long distance footpath through the newly created National Park, the team will run westwards through the night and plan to finish about 2.30 p.m. (for obvious reasons they can't be exact!) at Cheesefoot Head, which sits on the Downs to the east of Winchester.

 

Momentum celebrity Patron Phil Glenister, star of the successful TV series, ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Ashes to Ashes’, met Peter, Paul, William and Oliver, following their 2008 fundraising run.  On hearing of this year's event he said: “Non-stop, 100 miles, over this terrain – they must be mad. Just thinking about it gives me blisters! What a great effort. I’m sure the lads will get the backing they deserve and I hope the run raises loads of cash for Momentum.”

  

Please donate on this site

or make your cheque out to Momentum and send it to:

 

Ann and Peter Clement

Little Hollow

Grayswood

Haslemere

Surrey GU27 2DE

Tel: 01428 642704

Mob: 07985 878756

 

All monies raised will go to Momentum www.moment-um.org