“ Hi, my name is Steve Ball and it’s a real privilege to attempt this ‘Frog Graham Round’ challenge on 31st August, for the Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) Association.

It was in late 2023 that I was finally diagnosed with this condition, after a number of scans and surgical procedures over the preceding two years. Since that time I have found keeping busy, training for challenges, and undertaking long distance walks has helped me immensely to manage TN. I would strongly recommend anyone complete one of the Camino de Santiago routes in northern Spain.

TN, as a chronic disorder, I feel, doesn’t receive the publicity such a serious condition deserves. I hope attempting this challenge and the associated publicity will help in some way.

The Frog Graham Round is a fell-running and swimming challenge that was created by Peter Hayes via inspirations from the classic Bob Graham Round but with an added twist: As well as running just over 40 miles and ascending and descending 15,750 feet over the North Western Lake District fells, the contender must swim across Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, Buttermere and Derwentwater before finishing where it all started at Keswick’s Moot Hall.

This is not your ordinary day out in the hills and lakes and we want to be absolutely clear: This is a formidable, very tough challenge and will appeal to endurance athletes looking for something a little out of the ordinary and those who wish to push themselves one step further.

It is categorically NOT for novices and anyone considering an attempt should be an experienced off-road runner and very competent open-water swimmer. Seriously.

https://www.froggrahamround.co.uk/route-information

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope you can donate to this worthwhile charity”.