I am not a runner, I hate running, but as my favourite hobbies... ballet and yoga... are on hold at the moment I have decided to challenge myself to an alternative way to keep fit. I have chosen the distance to mark a very special occasion and my motivation will be to raise funds for a meaningful charity. 

It’s my Dad’s 90th birthday on 24th July and for as long as I can remember he has always marked his birthdays by doing a cycle ride of miles (or more recently km) equivalent to his age.... just amazing, especially as it gets harder every year!! So I am going to try to run a total of 90 miles and as a novice runner have given myself the whole of July to complete this.... which will mean running an average of 3 miles per day. 

I am raising money for the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust in memory of my younger brother Roger who tragically passed away in May aged only 52, following a short but brave battle with cancer. The Trust supports local causes including the hospice where Roger was so well cared for during the last few weeks of his life. Roger was the Head Brewer at St Austell for over 20 years and during that time won many national and international awards for his incredible beers, which include their bestsellers Tribute Ale, ProperJob IPA and Korev Lager. Aside from brewing Roger loved the outdoor life and took part in two major fundraising events to mark his 40th and 50th birthdays; in 2007 a world record breaking circumnavigation of Cornwall in a pilot gig with 8 other rowers and in 2017 a team cycle from John O’ Groats to Lands End. 

Despite his many accolades and achievements the Roger I knew was a very humble guy, happily married to Toni, doting owner of Moxie and Bluebell, cherished son to my almost 90 year old Dad, dearly loved younger brother to Ann and I and five times an uncle. We are all completely devastated to have lost him but are so incredibly proud of the legacy he leaves behind. Any donations will be much appreciated.

Contingency clause: This is an unknown challenge for me as the furthest I have ever run is 5k! If injury or the weather get the better of me I will switch to Km and/or run on in to August.... but I will definitely get to 90 somehow!!

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