Starting in April, I will do a challenge every month.

I will begin with the Chester Ultra 100 Mile Run Saturday 13th April 2024 – Sunday 14th April 2024: https://www.gbultras.com/chester-ultra-100/

I then have set myself the aim to run a sub-3-hour marathon in Exeter on Sunday, 12th May 2024: https://exetercct.org/running-events/exeter-live-better-marathon-and-five-mile-event-2024/

Afterwards, I will be heading to France to complete an IRONMAN in Nice (consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile run) on Sunday, 16th June 2024: https://www.ironman.com/im-france

The lineup will conclude with the Lakeland Trails Ultra 100k on Saturday, 13th July 2024: https://www.lakelandtrails.org/

Why am I doing this?

First, let me give you the backstory:

I am fortunate.

As a child, I had an excellent upbringing. Opportunities came in abundance.

Tennis, swimming, ice skating, football, and piano were weekly activities.

I lived in a nice area with a supportive and caring family.

I am 13 in the cover photo.

My Mum died when I was 14.

My Mum was the most important person in my life.

She lived for my brother and me. She taught us values and the importance of self-belief.

'May the force be with you', she used to say.

I realise that 'the force' is out of your control.

At 14, my self-belief was non-existent. I felt lost.

I continued as if everything was okay and showed no signs of weakness (a trait I learnt from Mum's stoic personality).

From the outside, everything was okay. I performed well in my endeavours, but there was a catch.

I was unhappy—something needed to change. I needed to change.

More specifically, my mindset.

I taught myself that I had to change to see change.

I had to be more outgoing, proactive and hard-working.

I began taking every opportunity that came my way. I learned new skills, studied how to control the inner dialogue and became more sure of myself and my values.

Little by little, my self-belief restored.

I have changed my outlook on life. We have one shot at this, and we should seize this opportunity.

My biggest fear is not pushing myself and living an unfulfilled existence. To me, legacy is everything.

Hence, I am undertaking the four challenges in four months.

Each poses its unique challenge, each dedicated to my Mum.

I'll keep you updated along the journey—a journey of self-discovery and pushing my limits.

Donations will go directly to Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, supports anyone affected by sarcoma cancer, and campaigns for better treatments. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting me, we can help change this.

Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep the Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care.

I appreciate your support.

Carpe diem