Here I am again, preparing to do another silly running challenge. This one however is slightly more achievable.

I have signed up to complete a marathon. But no this is not a normal flat road marathon. This is a trail run along the North Downs...... My training so far hasn't been optimal (none at all really) but today, 08/05/23, I did just under 7miles along the route of last year's race. For those who don't know, on 18th September 2021, I attempted to complete 100 miles in 24 hours... (I know, pretty stupid right?!) to raise money for The Blue Light Charity, although the challenge inevitably got the better of me, after weeks of hard work and training, due to an injury, I had to call it a day at the 57 mile mark after 14 hours of consistent running and of course it had to be one of the hottest days of the year!!

Naturally not completing this run really weighed on me... I had, had my heart set on completing the run and I didn’t... despite this, so many got behind me and helped me raise nearly £3k for the charity, which in the grand scheme of things is what it is all about...

My original intention when I signed up for this was a selfish one. All I was focused on was actually completing this race and getting a medal with hope to raise money for charity along the way, but that was not my priority.

My mindset has shifted recently, a friend passed away after a long 4 year battle with cancer. My aim is now to raise as much as possible for the Purple Heart Wishes charity. They are an incredible charity who can bring joy in the bleakest of times to those in need. The Purple Heart Wishes charity based in the UK that grants wishes to adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Back in October 2022, Aidan was fortunate to reach his 30th Birthday milestone... of course naturally you want to make someone feel special on their birthday but especially when times are tough and expense of things can be limiting... Purple Heart Wishes allowed Aidan and Kaya to take a lovely trip to a stunning location, including a spa, some pampering, a yummy Thai dinner date and an overnight stay... this would not have happened or been possible had this charity not have granted this incredible wish for these special people and allow them to make special memories together...

I will be completing this marathon on 18th June (Fathers Day) which seems fitting given that Aidan fathered a step son and two beautiful children of his own, Marley, Nova & Sonny.... This world is a cruel place and Aidan was only 26 years of age when he got diagnosed with a Stage 4 Gliablastoma and then unfortunately being diagnosed 2 years later with another primary cancer, Hodgkin's Lymphoma... initially prognosis wasn't good and Aidan's journey was incredibly up and down, long and hard... he fought so hard for 4 long years but in that time he made his soul mate his wife and brought his second child into the world... all whilst being in and out of hospital for surgeries, scans, treatments etc, etc... unfortunately Aidan lost his fight and sadly passed away on Monday 1st May 2023... leaving his wonderful wife Kaya, thier children, his family and friends hearts broken.

Times are tough right now and I appreciate money is tight for everyone but any donation, big or small would make an incredible difference in someone's life who needs some light on the darkest of days.

I will be posting updates of training and sponsorship through my Instagram (Webby2102) please follow along.