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The Unique Vacations UK team is taking part in The Sandals Foundation Island Run Antigua 2023, between 11th and 14th October.

The challenge is to run 100 KM over four days to raise £100,000 for sick children in the Caribbean. All money raised will be donated to the SickKids Caribbean Initiative and the Paediatric Unit of Mount St. John's Medical Centre in Antigua via the Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International’s philographic arm. The funds will help supply the right medical equipment and resources to provide proper treatment for children with cancer and premature babies born in the Caribbean. Both organisations are long term beneficiaries of the Sandals Foundation which has supported projects valued at over $79 million USD and impacted the lives of over 1.1 million people in the Caribbean since it was established in 2009. Taking part in the run are:

Karl Thompson, Managing Director – Karl started running during the pandemic to help keep his mental health in check and is now regularly running 20 miles at weekends. He says, “What am I most looking forward to? Finishing it! But, seriously, the camaraderie of the team with one single goal to making a difference for sick kids should be fantastic. And what better place to do it than in the Caribbean itself and the beautiful island of Antigua!”

Graeme Saunders, Senior Manager, Groups and MICE – A seasoned runner with several half marathons under his belt including the Great North Run and the Liverpool half, Graeme says, “I am taking part in Island Run challenge to raise funds for those less fortunate than myself and to push my body further than I ever have done before.”

Bradley Mills, Design Manager – Brad says, “I am following a tailored plan and slowly building up my long distance runs whilst focusing on improving my strength and recovery. This is going to be a mammoth task, but I am up for the challenge! This is an amazing opportunity to really challenge myself, but more importantly, as a team the money we raise will go towards treatment for so many sick children in the Caribbean which is an incredibly motivating factor. I’m proud that I get to do my bit for this amazing cause.”

Valentin Noe, Sales Manager, Western Europe – Arguably the most experienced team member, Val has run marathons in Paris, Lisbon and Istanbul, as well as a trail marathon in the French Mountains. He’s even competed in ultra marathons including a 34-hour event in Reunion Island. Val says, “Although I have taken part in a lot of running events, for me the Island Run is different. It’s not about being in a competition with other runners. We’re all taking part as a team and raising money for a fantastic cause. It is the opportunity to share an experience together which is going to leave a mark on our lives forever.

The run will be in hot humid weather for each day and will consist of the following:

Day 1 of the run will take us from Sandals Grande Antigua down to Jolly Beach.

Day 2 we will be running from Jolly Beach down to English Harbour and will encounter a hill climb of 5 miles and nearly 500ft.

From there on day 3 we will be heading from English Harbour back up hill and inland to the north finishing at the Sir Viv Richards Cricket Stadium.

The final day we will start back at the stadium and head around the top of the island and finish back at Sandals Grande Antigua.

Please help us raise money for this amazing cause by donating as much as you can afford. 100% of all money raised will go to the SickKids Caribbean Initiative and the Paediatric Unit of Mount St. John's Medical Centre.