I'm running 70miles from Carlisle to Newcastle.

Only joking - I'm actually running, jogging, climbing, walking, stumbling, crawling (likely in that order) from Carlisle to Newcastle.

On Saturday 14th June between the hours of 6-7am myself and Alex (good friend and instigator of this challenge) will embark upon 'The Wall' Ultramarathon 2025.

I love running but even so, this is admittedly a bit mental. The reactions from family, friends and clients have been consistent:

"Carlisle to Newcastle.....that's pretty far right?"

"How many days will that take?"

"Fair play 70km is along way......wait miles?!?!"

"Why?"

All valid points.

I'm doing this for a reasons.

Firstly, It's well out of my comfort zone - having run a few marathons if you'd told me upon crossing the finish line - "keep going, you've only got another 44 miles to go" - I'd have politely told you to "go find yourself" (feel free to replace 'find' with another word of your choosing). However, I'm hoping that a combination of solid training and my unrelenting stubbornness will see me across the finish line.

Secondly, I really enjoyed training for the 'Royal Parks Half Marathon' with Alex last year. Running a sub 90min together is one of my favourite memories from 2024 and probably my proudest running achievement ever. I joke that Alex caught me at a weak moment when he pitched the idea of a 70 mile Ultra but in reality I didn't take too much convincing.

Thirdly, I've been asked a few times whether I'd be raising money for a charity. I honestly hadn't intended to, but realistically how often am I going to be running an ultramarathon (if Sarah is reading this - 100% not until 2027 I promise!) - it feels a bit selfish not to try and raise money and/or awareness for a good cause.

Full disclosure - I wanted to film a video talking covering the points above and talking a bit about the charity but I can't do it without tearing up.

I'm raising money for Child Bereavement UK. Sadly if you're reading this you will likely either know someone or have experienced this yourself.

I'm asking you to do 3 things:

1) Watch the video in the comments (it's heartbreaking and uplifting)

2) Tell the people you love that you love them (now)

3) Share the video to help raise awareness for the support the charity provides and if you have the mens to do so - please donate.

Big love everyone x

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In the charity's own words:

"Child Bereavement UK help children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. Child Bereavement UK also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families."