Throughout 2020, Covid lockdown restrictions and the requirement to self-isolate has caused some families to have their working hours and household income reduced. Some households may also have suffered a reduction in income due to unemployment or bereavement. 

Even with the assistance of the recently extended furlough scheme, many families will struggle financially throughout this winter.

I have recently set myself a goal to raise £1000 in aid of the Trussell Trust. 

This charity supports a nationwide network of food banks and together they provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty, and campaigns for change to end the need for food banks throughout the whole of the UK. 

MY CHALLENGE : 

My name is Duncan McGill. I am 44 years old and live in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. Throughout Lockdown, like many others, I began improving my personal fitness. In August, I was part of a team of volunteers led by my brother, Steve McGill. Together we successfully raised over £1300 for the military veteran's mental health charity, Combat Stress. 

This time around, I intend to undertake a solo endurance challenge. This will consist of a series of twelve individual runs throughout December, beginning on Tuesday 1st, and ending on Wednesday 23rd, allowing one day's recovery in between before embarking upon the next. Each run will be done as a 'fasted cardio' run on an empty stomach, beginning in the early morning before breakfast, and will cover the same route and distance of twelve kilometres, from Melrose to my former neighbourhood of Langlee and back (see photos). Each run will be tracked via the app on my phone and posted online as proof of completion. 

That's 12k every other day, or as you might call it 'The 12 K's of Christmas'. 

Last year, food banks within the Trussell Trusts' network provided more than 1.6 million emergency food parcels to people in crisis. More than half a million of these went to children. It’s not right that people can’t afford the basics. As a nation, we expect no one should be left hungry or destitute. 

With your help #ThisCanChange. 

Traditionally, Boxing Day was a time when those with surplus food would donate it to those who were less fortunate. This has been a bad year for everyone, but despite this I find myself in a position to be able to help those in need. I would personally like to salvage something positive from 2020 before it draws to a close. 

Will you help me raise awareness for this cause? 

You can follow the progress of my training and monitor the challenge through regular updates on the specially created Facebook page by copying and pasting the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/12-Ks-Challenge-133315628580935/ 

The link at the top & bottom of this page will remain active until Wednesday 6th January 2021.

Thanks for your support.