Hi, I’m Rhys.

At 6pm on 11 January, I’ll be taking on the Winter Spine MRT Challenger North to raise money for the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA).

The Montane Winter Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160-mile, self-supported ultra along the Pennine Way, running from Hardraw in North Yorkshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. With a time limit of 108 hours (although I hope to finish in much less), the route crosses some of the most remote and demanding terrain in Britain, including the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots. In winter conditions, it is widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally demanding endurance races in the UK.

This will be my biggest challenge to date. My longest previous ultra was 100km, run on one of the hottest days of the year — very much the opposite of what I’ll face on the Pennine Way. The Winter Spine will demand everything: endurance, resilience, navigation, decision-making, and mountain craft, all while managing fatigue, cold, and the uncertainty that comes with long winter nights and up to 16 hours of darkness each day.

I’m also a member of Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team. I’ve seen first-hand what it takes to get a team out of the door at short notice, in all weather, at any hour — to help someone who is injured, lost, or in trouble. Mountain rescue teams are made up entirely of volunteers, but the vehicles, medical equipment, training, communications, and specialist kit that keep both casualties and rescuers safe all come at a cost.

That’s why I’m fundraising for LDSAMRA, the umbrella organisation that supports the 12 mountain rescue teams across the Lake District and wider Cumbria region. Year on year, the number of call-outs attended by mountain rescue teams continues to rise, placing increasing demands on volunteers, equipment, training, and vehicles. As demand grows, so does the need for funding to ensure teams can continue to respond quickly and safely when it matters most.

Mountain rescue is funded almost entirely through volunteers and public donations. Without this vital support, teams would simply be unable to operate. All donations go directly towards supporting the incredible work of these teams, who remain on call 24/7 for both locals and visitors alike.

If you’re able to spare a few pounds, it will genuinely make a difference. And if you can share this page, that support is just as valuable. You’ll be able to follow my progress along the Pennine Way via the link below.

https://live.opentracking.co.uk/spinechallnorth26/

Thank you for your support.