A few years ago, I was 19 stone and addicted to gaming. Exercise wasn’t part of my life at all, but over time I started making small changes; running, eating better, sleeping properly, and looking after my mental health. There’s no one fix when it comes to wellbeing, but for me, running became one of the most powerful parts of that balance.
After running my first marathon in 2018, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve completed over 100 marathons and ultramarathons in more than 15 countries, from deserts in Jordan to the mountains around Kilimanjaro. I’ve always been fascinated by what the human body and mind are capable of when pushed to their limits.
Earlier this year, my mum suffered a brain bleed and we were told she wouldn’t make it, but she did! That experience completely changed my outlook on life and made me realise what truly matters: health and time with loved ones. I decided to quit my job, leave London, move back home to Frinton-on-Sea to be closer to my mum, and take on the challenge I’d been dreaming about for years; 74 ultramarathons in 74 days, one for every year of my mum’s life before she fell ill. The challenge ultimately became 80 ultramarathons in 80 consecutive days, pushing past what we thought was possible.
When my mum was recovering, Headway UK, the brain injury charity, became a real lifeline for us. Their support made such a huge difference, and I’ll always be grateful for that. That’s why I’m using this challenge to raise at least £74,000 to give something back and help other families going through similar experiences.
This challenge isn’t just for my mum, it’s also deeply personal. Having overcome obesity and addiction, I want to see what my body and mind are capable of, and hopefully inspire others to chase their own goals, whatever they might be.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s that life is unbelievably fragile. Health and time with loved ones are everything, and I’ll never take either for granted again.
