In March 2027, I turn 40 years of age.

Between now and then, I commit to completing 40 fundraising challenges and events for Myeloma UK, in memory of my wonderful mum Judy.

I adored my mum. She was my favourite person in the world. In December 2017, mum was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and she passed away from the illness in July 2019. During this short time, the bravery with which she fought this cruel illness was truly remarkable. She never once complained despite the fact she was so often in pain and discomfort.

I want to pay tribute to my amazing mum. I also want to give back to Myeloma UK who were an invaluable source of advice and reassurance throughout mum’s illness. They provided us with a community of fellow sufferers, informed us of new treatments undergoing trial and answered our many questions about the disease.

Hence, to say thank you, I wanted to try the biggest, best fundraiser I could possibly fathom and this is what we came up with. 40 challenges - big and small - by the time I turn 40.

I am very grateful for any and all donations - thank you,

Ali Randall

The 40 Challenges

1: 65-mile walk from Greenwich to Chichester - COMPLETED (29 & 30 March '24)

2: Volunteering a day of my time in the local community - COMPLETED with Walworth Golden Oldies (11 April ‘24)

3: 1 burpee for every £1 donated in April - 1,000 burpees COMPLETED (4 May ‘24)

4: Nashville spice challenge - COMPLETED courtesy of Bolton’s (12 May ‘24)

5: Farm hand for the day (mucking out) - COMPLETED courtesy of Stepney City Farm (22 June ‘24)

6: White collar boxing - COMPLETED 10 weeks of training culminating in a match at The Troxy (13 July - 19 Sept ‘24)

7: Boxer for a night - COMPLETED spending an evening of my holiday in Turkey dressed as a boxer (5 September ‘24)

8: 100th supporter - COMPLETED the 100th Just Giving Supporter can make use of me (in legal and appropriate ways!) for a day. Nicola Disley is the 100th supporter. (22 February ‘25)

9: Run 5km a day for the month of October - COMPLETED (1-31 October ‘24).

10. Give up a Saturday to plant trees in Croydon, with Trees for Cities - COMPLETED (30 November ‘24)

11. A TV marathon of every episode (x50) of Mrs Brown’s Boys plus “D’Movie” consecutively - COMPLETED (29-30 December ‘24)

12. Bushtucker Pancake Day - COMPLETED (7 March ‘25)

Follow along:

I will update the following accounts with my preparation for this and all future challenges so please do follow along:

Blog: https://alis40by40.wordpress.com/

Instagram: @alis40by40

Submit a challenge:

While some of the challenges and events are already in the works, some will come from you, the donors. If you would like to submit a challenge (either because you could make use of my free labour for a day, you want to help host a challenge or because you want to see me squirm) then please get in touch via email so that we may consider it: alistairs40by40@gmail.com

Myeloma UK's info:

"For 25 years Myeloma UK has been working to make myeloma history. 

"Myeloma UK is determined that no-one goes through myeloma alone. We are here to provide information and support to anyone affected by the incurable blood cancer, myeloma.  Patients, families, friends, and carers can all draw on our information centre, support groups, discussion forums and Infoline for support when they need it. 

"We invest in research that helps us understand how myeloma develops and progresses, and we do this to help everyone working in myeloma better understand and meet the needs of myeloma patients and help deliver change.  

"We do this because we want to see a better tomorrow for patients.  We represent the voices of people affected by myeloma to government, the NHS and the wider healthcare sector to improve access to the latest treatments, remove barriers to prompt diagnosis, and improve the design and delivery of care. 

"Almost all of our funding comes from public donations and gifts in wills.  We don’t receive government or NHS funding.  Your support makes all the difference. "

www.myeloma.org.uk

Just Giving's Info:

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.