My BIGGEST challenge yet!

In September 2025 I will be running a 250km ultramarathon 🧡

I will be joining the WhyWeRun Class of 2025 as we embark on a 5-day epic adventure in aid of raising money for the mental health charity bigmoose.

I’m truly honoured to be one of only 1 of only 50 (!!) selected people to take on this challenge, and I’m going to give it my best shot.

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WHY?

Since I started running almost 10 years ago, I’ve set multiple challenges and goals that scare me 🏃🏻⛰️

There’s nothing more exhilarating and terrifying than stepping far out of your comfort zone and taking on something on you don’t even know you’re capable of yet. And I will be taking this up a gear in September 2025.

Being able to run is something I try as best I can not to take for granted. How lucky I am to be able to get outdoors and cover distances my younger self never thought possible on a daily and weekly basis. Not everyone has the ability, or opportunity, to do what I do.

And honestly, who knows where I would be, or if I would still be here, if I didn’t have this sport to support me and elevate my life every day to new heights. Because mentally, I’ve been less than well for years.

I have openly suffered from depression and anxiety, and most recently OCD, since 2017 (and realistically since 2011 or before).

While my life has been full of incredible highs, the lows have been destructive. I have had to pull myself out of some incredibly dark times over the years, when ending my life seemed like the most enticing way forward. When I was 24 I wholly believed that I would be done before reaching the age of 30. But this year I will be turning 31.

Running, while not the answer or the solution, does a damn good job at getting me smiling again and making me feel a little more whole. That, along with a support network including friends, family, therapy and surrounding myself with an environment promoting self-growth has meant that in 2025 I am still living and able to look ahead more than ever before.

And that’s the reason I signed up to do this challenge to raise money for bigmoose.

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THE CHARITY

bigmoose is an outstanding mental health charity based in Wales, with a mission to support people through therapy and early intervention. They make sure people are seen for therapy within a week. Long waiting lists of 36 weeks+ are huge contributing factors to why we’re seeing a rise in suicide rates. People need help, and they need it quickly.

For someone who has suffered (and still suffers) from mental health issues for a huge portion of my life, there isn’t a charity I am happier to raise money for.

My target is currently £500 and I would be so incredibly grateful to have any support on this journey. This is the first time I have fundraised for a running challenge in 9 years. So you can tell from that how MASSIVE this is.

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PLEASE HELP WITH WHAT YOU CAN

I know first hand how tough times are financially at the moment, so I’m not asking for large donations.

Honestly, a few pennies, a few pounds will help towards my target and go on to help those who cannot afford therapy to receive support.

Thank you so so much! 🫶

~ Alex

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DETAILS

When: 15th-21st September 2025

Where: St Davids, Wales

Distance: 250km

Duration: 5 days

Elevation: 6,900m

Difficulty Level: Insanity

WhyWeRun Core Values:

- Purpose Beyond Yourself

- Power in Human Connection

- Pursuits Past Physical and Mental Limits

- Together As One