Short version...

I took up running as my wife said it would help with my Mental Health. It did & I want to share that and raise some money whilst doing so. Being able to run on the fells has helped me escape and now I want to give something back.

The Longer Version ...

A while back I really suffered with my mental health. I was in a job where meeting new people was a basic requirement and I relished the opportunity in doing so. Then out of the blue i started to have panic attacks and suffered from anxiety. I went from being a really confident person to a jibbering wreck. I left my job as a salesperson and pretty much locked myself away in a workshop and got creative. My wife mentioned how a psychologist had said "If all my patients took up running I'd be out of a job", I reluctantly took this advice and started running.

Some years later, I'm in a lot better place, both mentally and physically. I'm now able to run (maybe jog) for hours rather than minutes and this allows me to really clear my head. Most of my running is out on the fells and the fact that so many people use them only means they need more maintenance. We all just take it for granted that they're there for our disposal.

Admittedly the most I've ever ran for is around 11 hours and don't get me wrong there was a lot of walking in that. At the finish I felt like I was going to die and remember feeling so ill. I say this as I'm trying to paint a picture of just how hard this challenge is going to be for me in the hope that you will all dig a little deeper and sponsor me.

Please take the time to read a little bit on 'The Bob Graham Round ' https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Graham_Round

It will be by far the hardest thing I have ever attempted in my life but if I'd never started running all those years ago I couldn't have even contemplated this challenge. Yes I've not done it yet and yes I may not finish it within the allotted time, but if my body holds up I'm going to give it my best shot.

If all my friends can donate the cost of a coffee or a pint, I hopefully can raise some money for a great cause and in the future others can benefit from the beautiful countryside that has allowed me the time to clear my head.

Fix the Fells’ tackles the erosion problem on the Lake District Fells by repairing and maintaining 344 upland paths, covering 410 miles (661 km), This helps to keep the Lake District a special place for us and for future generations.

Thank you for reading

Nx