Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

There are a few reasons I have decided to compete in the 6633 Arctic Ultra for the NHS. Firstly, I am overwhelmed with how much energy and resilience all the staff, on all levels, have given and continue to give, regardless of the discomfort and hazards, that have now become a part of their daily jobs. The compassion and devotion given by every single person involved with the NHS has been absolutely memorable. By the time we have come to understand and have adapted to this new world, which incorporates a new common enemy in the covid19 virus, we will all in some way hold a massive debt of gratitude and thanks to the NHS. I just really really want to do something within my skill set and hopefully capabilities to help in any way. 

This is such a massive challenge and classes as the hardest, coldest, windiest footrace on the planet, and I can imagine there will be times during the 383 miles and 7,8 or 9 days I will find some demons and face some difficult times. I will need strong internal motivation to encourage me to continue. In this current climate, I just have to think of the daily struggles and loss of life day after day after day thousands of people are going through without seeing the light at the end, without seeing an end game. All I have to do is manage just over a week. It will definitely help me to suck it up and allow me to feel I am doing my bit to help. As small as it is.

Lastly, I have many friends who work with and alongside the NHS and this is my way of saying a massive thank you, and my wife, who volunteers as an ambulance first responder.

What is the 6633 Arctic Ultra? 

As one of the most respected extreme ultra marathons, the 6633 Arctic Ultra is regarded by many as the toughest, coldest, windiest ultra distance foot race on the planet.

The non-stop self-sufficient foot race is over a distance of 383 miles crossing the line of the Arctic Circle. The race finishes in a small village called Tuktoyaktuk which sits on the banks of the Arctic Ocean.  I believe it has been running for 12 years now, with a total of only 42 finishers during that time and by my calculations, this means about 6 out of 7 people fail. Myself already being one of them in 2013. Completion has to be done within 9 days, and participants have to be self-sufficient pulling all their food, sleeping gear, cooking and survival equipment and clothing with them in a sled.

As I mentioned, I failed this race in 2013, I actually failed very early into the race, and I have been intending to go back to finish for a number of years, but have never had the financial backing to do it until now.  With the support of my own health club and gym, SB Health and Fitness I have secured full sponsorship for the challenge and I’m able to attempt it once again.  SB Health & Fitness is a health club/gym in Lutterworth that supports people with a full spectrum of health issues, both physically and mentally. It helps people who suffer from depression to anxiety, diabetes to obesity, COPD to asthma, back issues to joint replacement and many more. So I would also like to show my appreciation to everyone who is involved with the club, from the staff and the members for supporting me with this challenge.

Once again thank you for your time and very generous donation to the NHS. Every penny raised from this challenge will go to the NHS. All funding required for the 6633 Arctic Ultra will be covered by SB Health and Fitness

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