Those who know me, will be aware that ultra running has become very Important to me. Over the last 8 years I have been fortunate to travel all over the world, using the training, as well as the events themselves to give me focus and balance in my life.

The journey Is not always easy, and as with other areas of life, the failures hurt. The marathon des sables chapter was painful but now closed with the creation of the film 'Beyond Limits', as well as going back to complete the race Itself. Relief!

For this race, the backstory was that after the Initial failed attempt of MDS, I then went to Sweden about 3 months later to take the Arctic BTU race on. The truth Is that this was an extension of the problems that came from MDS. Away from being a bit of a mind mess, I had covid just before I left. Not Ideal In -30, and after a single day I was smashed with hyperthermia. There was a bit more to this extraordinary day but we will get there, and the 2 people Involved know who they are:) Friends forever!

Now, 3 years on, I’m going back In mid Feb. I am more experienced, respectful, focussed, and extremely pensive. This race Is 230km over 5 days, and self-sufficient. It Is the kind of challenge that has helped me grow over the last 7-8 years, but they have also been responsible for breaking me down as a person on occasion. This one Is very special and I have really changed a great deal around training, nutrition and approach to give myself the best chance of success. The completion rate for this one Is around 25-30% so It’s a tough nut.

This race really matters to me, and I have avoided raising money for charity over recent events. For this one, I want to really push to try and raise money for ADHD UK, where we have a common goal to try and educate schools and places of work around the subject of neurodiversity. We want to help all people, particularly the young, to understand themselves. To not be ashamed, to be understood, and if we get this right, we can play our part In avoiding depression in young people, that statistically develops far too frequently into suicide.

I was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago, and more recently I have been privileged as an ADHD ambassador for ADHD UK.

Ultimately our objective Is to move the government to allow legislation around ALL young people being assessed at various points during their younger years. This will take time, and at the moment we are moving backwards as a society on this front, but as they say 2 steps back and 3 steps forward. I would be Incredibly grateful If you would support me in this challenge by contributing what you see fit.

Thank you if you’re able to donate.

Thank you if you share this.

If you see yourself in any of this, know that you’re not alone.