On 8^th April 2017, Ed Jackson, dived into a swimming pool, broke his neck and severed his spinal cord, leaving him within an inch of his life. His professional rugby career was over in an instant and he was told he would never walk again.  Regaining the use of his arms to push a wheelchair would be heralded a miraculous success. 

Slowly but surely, through daily mental and physical battles, Ed has defied the odds. Starting from moving fingers and toes, he has now regained the function of his arms and to an extent, his legs. Since his accident, Ed has undertaken some incredible challenges; climbing mountains, presenting at the Paralympics, and writing a book, Lucky. Most recently, Ed summitted the UK’s twelve highest peaks in six days, all whilst carrying a Christmas tree! In short, Ed is an inspiration to so many around him for his unrelenting courage and positivity.

Out of Ed’s journey of recovery the charity, Millimetres to Mountains, has emerged. The charity’s goal is to help individuals, old and young, able-bodied or disabled, who are facing mental and / or physical health challenges to recover through partaking in mountain expeditions all over the world. The charity helps individuals to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone, while opening their eyes to the awe-inspiring, healing power of nature.

As four (relatively) young men, we have faced and will continue to face our own challenges. In working through our own challenges, we have all found exercising in the great outdoors to be a powerful healer. So, when Alex suggested Millimetres to Mountains as our chosen charity, we all felt it to be a relatable and worthwhile cause.  

 On 9^th and 10^th April 2022, five years since Ed’s accident, the four of us, Matt, Sandy, Alex and Hugh, will be running the Ultra Tour of Arran, raising funds for Millimetres to Mountains. The two-day route consists of 94kms and 9,168 ft of elevation across beaches, through forests and over Corbett’s (Scottish peaks). The four of us are fair-weather runners who infrequently tackle a 5km Park Run or a slightly longer, but still flat-as-a-pancake Thames path trundle. To date, only one of us has run a marathon, and it was slow going! Arran presents a genuinely difficult and nerve-wracking challenge for the four of us.

We would be hugely grateful for any donations to Millimetres to Mountains, it will do wonders for the charity and will spur us on at our lowest points throughout the Ultra!

Thanks so much in advance from the four of us.

Alex, Sandy, Matt, Hugh

Ultra Tour of Arran - link to video