On 12th June 2027, I’ll be taking on The Wall — a 110km ultra challenge from Carlisle to Newcastle — to raise money for a charity that means a great deal to me, A Shining Light. I work at Howden School, where I had the privilege of teaching Luke, whose life was tragically cut short by cancer. Losing someone so young, with so much life ahead of them, is heartbreaking, and it’s important that we do what we can to support other young people and families facing similar battles.

Formed in Luke’s memory, A Shining Light is a fantastic local charity making a real difference across Yorkshire. It raises awareness of teenage cancer and provides direct support to frontline NHS services and teenage cancer units, helping improve the care and environment for young people going through treatment. It’s a cause close to home, supporting people when they need it most, and something our local community can be proud of.

Now, I’ve never been a particularly good long-distance runner, so this is going to be a massive challenge, both physically and mentally. There’ll be plenty of training, sore legs and probably a few moments when I question what on earth I’ve signed up for. But if I’m going to push myself this far outside my comfort zone, I want it to be for something that genuinely matters.

Every donation, big or small, will help A Shining Light continue its brilliant work. If the thought of an average runner attempting 110km encourages a few more people to donate, then every tough minute will be worth it!

Please give whatever you can, share the page and help support young people and families across Yorkshire affected by cancer. Please get behind this brilliant local charity and keep Luke’s memory shining bright.

Thank you — your support really does mean a lot.

Updates:

March 2026 - Began running

June 2026 - First half marathon

Sept 2026 - Ran 25km continuously for first time

October 2026 - Went over 500km total training distance

Current training distance = 533km

I will add updates as training intensifies throughout winter.

Thank you,

Gaz

event info is here:

www.ratrace.com/events/thewall/

Charity website is here too if you’d like to know more: https://www.ashininglight.org.uk/

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