I’ve kept this fairly quiet, shared only with those closest to me.
But this Sunday 11th January at 6pm, I begin my biggest challenge yet.

I’ll be taking on the Montane Winter Spine Challenger North, a non-stop, 160-mile ultra along the Pennine Way from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm. Starting in Hardraw, North Yorkshire, runners have 108 hours to reach the finish line in the infamous village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.

The route crosses some of the most beautiful, and brutally difficult, terrain in Britain, including the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots. Widely regarded as one of the most physically and mentally demanding races in the world, it’s made even tougher by the ferocity of the British winter.

So… why am I doing this?!

Partly because I’m a bit of a nutcase.
Endurance running and extreme challenges have been a passion of mine for many years. I’m fascinated by how far the human body, and mind, can be pushed. This race feels like the next chapter in that journey, and despite knowing how tough it will be, I’m genuinely excited to get started.

But there’s a far more important reason behind this challenge.

I’m taking this race on after the most emotionally difficult year of my life. Those closest to me know the challenges I’ve faced, many of which don’t need repeating here. The moment everything changed came on 21st May 2025, when my beautiful girlfriend Mahalia found a lump in her left breast.

From that day on, life felt completely out of control.

Mahalia was quickly sent for scans, and on 13th June, she was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. What followed were months of uncertainty, fear, and resilience. Multiple biopsies, two major surgeries, a double mastectomy, weeks of fluid drainage, heavy medication, and endless hospital appointments.

After 89 days of intense positivity, she is now in the clear.

Watching Mahalia face cancer with such strength and determination was terrifying, but I have never been prouder. She is my inspiration to never give up.

For this reason, I’ve chosen to raise money for the Breast Cancer Unit at Airedale General Hospital. Every penny raised will go directly to supporting the breast cancer clinic at Airedale, who have been absolutely incredible throughout Mahalia’s journey. We couldn’t be more grateful for the care, compassion, and professionalism they showed her at every stage.

This challenge is my way of saying thank you.

Thank you to the amazing team at Airedale for looking after Mahalia so well, and thank you to anyone who chooses to donate, share, or support me along the way.