The Dragon's Back Race has a reputation as the toughest mountain race on earth. In summary, it's in Wales, it is a multiday race taking place over six days, it covers 236 miles - everyday being an ultramarathon - and you 'summit Everest' twice over the six days. It includes some of the most extreme terrain Wales can provide so the success rate can be low - 24% in 2021. What must be understood is that the participants tend to be highly trained nutters who have been preparing for years. I have used four marathons as training.

This race, if I complete it, will be the hardest challenge I have ever attempted. As such, I have decided to fundraise for two charities that have personal significance for me, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and The Ella Rose Fund. No funds will go towards my entry, preparation or equipment for the event. Offline, I will try to raise funds for both the Ella Rose Fund and CALM equally. Online, it's up to the sponsor/donator which charity to support but I hope to keep the donations equal.

The Ella Rose Trust Fund has been set up to help young people who are struggling with mental health problems to survive and thrive. The fund is named after my cousin, Ella Rose Voke, who died on 19th October 2020. She had struggled with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), sometimes called Borderline Personality Disorder, from her early teens. Ella cared about others, was a loyal friend and was a passionate champion of minority rights and the environment. She was a vegan and loved animals, especially her dog. She loved the outdoors, particularly the sea.

Ella was loved by her family and friends, but EUPD made Ella dislike herself. Tragically, aged 24, her struggles became too much for her.
The primary focus of the fund will be to resource ‘talking therapy’ for people in the age group between 18 and 30 suffering from EUPD. For more information, please visit https://www.ellarosefund.uk/

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK.

CALM are here to change the conversation on mental health and suicide. To change the devastating statistic that 125 people a week take their own life in the UK. To unite the UK against suicide.

We want to show people we’re there for them every day. To help those who are left behind. And to get people talking.

They challenge stereotypes and challenge the stigma that prevents people talking about suicide. And they use music, comedy, sport and anything in between to get that message across and to help people find the strength to seek help.

Anyone can hit crisis point. CALM run a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about lifes problems. For more information, please visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/