Alex Rickman
Alex's EMCTrust Running Challenge
Fundraising for The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
Story
Charities have been hit hard by Covid-19, the lockdown, the sudden loss of funding. They struggle to make ends meet at the best of times but now having to dig deep into what limited savings they have.
Young people are still facing the trauma of cancer, the aftermath of treatment. Those in hospitals receiving their treatment in the eye of the Covid-19 storm. Those at home staying in, confined to their 4 walls, with no immunity. For some, cancer treatment was a decade or so ago, but their immunity means they are now in isolation again. Public now getting a sense of what it is like to be shut away from the outside world, the physical and mental strain.
On the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust trips there's a magic that happens; these young people come together and overcoming challenges, rebuilding their confidence. It would be wonderful to get everyone together and go out on a boat, but during 2020 we couldn't. The Trust is doing everything it can to recreate that "magic" from a distance - with Netflix group watching sessions, quiz night's, mental health coping strategies, and many more. Fingers crossed the 2021 season will go ahead with both sailing and activity centre trips, adapted to ensure they're Covid safe.
The Trust needs funding, but most importantly the young people need the Trust more than ever before.
Inspired by the #TwoPointSixChallenge, I upped my challenge:
Run a marathon a month for a year, finishing with the Isle of Wight Challenge in July 2021.
I started my first marathon on Saturday 25th April 2020. I'm lucky to live on private farmland, my first marathon was during lockdown so I ran laps around the grounds.
Each month I'm running a different route with some on trail, road and mixed. Most routes starting and finishing from my home - exploring the Sussex countryside.
Ultra running has been an important part of my life over the past few years. My first ultra gave me a goal to push myself both physically and mentally to deal with cancer treatment.
Each month I'm running a different route with some on trail, road and mixed. Most routes starting and finishing from my home - exploring the Sussex countryside.
Ultra running has been an important part of my life over the past few years. My first ultra gave me a goal to push myself both physically and mentally to deal with cancer treatment.
Anyone who has spoken with me or followed my social media over the past couple of years will know how blown away I have been with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. I started volunteering in 2018, the importance and difference the Trust makes to the young people is incredible. For me personally the trust has brought together a range of experiences and skills, I have found my tribe. I am truly honoured to have been presented with Luke Gilbert Volunteer of Year Award for 2019.
I initially aimed to raise £550 as this is how much it costs to send one young person on a trip. After quickly reaching this goal I increased the target to £1100. I have been amazed and forever grateful to everyone for supporting me in absolutely smashing past that target too.
Anything that you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Al