Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. On 19 June at 8.00am I will start the Montane Summer Spine Race which runs the whole 268 miles of the Pennine Way finishing North of the border in Scotland. I have 156 hours to complete the distance which although sounding generous is a serious, serious test. The route will see me cross moors, high hills and fells and the very remote Cheviots as a final test; all while sleep deprived and probably soaking wet. There are only a few check points along the way and I’ll be self sufficient outside of those.

I tried to run this race in 2020 when Covid intervened to cancel the race. I tried again in 2021 when, two days before the race, I tested positive for Covid. 2022 is my year! Although desperately underprepared (and in a state of massive denial) I have said that I will run, probably for a final time, for Action for A-T, a charity set up by friends of mine when their daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with A-T; a very rare neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no known cure. I’m also running out of a sense of guilt for all those who sponsored me in 2021 for a race I never started!

I have raised some money for A-T before so, if this is to be a final swansong, I have gone super large. The Montane Spine Race is considered to be one of the toughest endurance races in the world and I am excited and terrified in equal measure. 268 miles is a long, long way but I have made myself (and Evie) a promise - I will make it to Scotland unless I am timed out (unlikely, but not impossible) or I am medically withdrawn from the course (hopefully not, but a distinct possibility). You can follow my very slow progress Northwards via a GPS tracker from 19 June.

If you would like to sponsor me, every penny raised will go to A-T to pay for medical research into this debilitating disease. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Action for A-T so  it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you

Barney