In a previous email I wrote that I (Chris Carver, from Otley) was about to take on the biggest challenge of my life which, as you may remember, is to travel, on foot, from Otley to London, for Orchid, a charity that funds research into, and raises awareness of, male specific cancers.
I’m now pleased to report that training has gone exceptionally well and a team of willing helpers has been assembled to help carry equipment, help with navigation, provide first aid [hopefully not necessary] and supply food, drink, etc.
The start of this epic run will be at the scout hut on Burras Lane in Otley. The plan is to start at 9.00am on Saturday 23 May – after a good night’s sleep, a large breakfast and a large coffee.
As I mentioned before the challenge for me is to run the 218 miles as quickly as possible with the aim of attacking the British records for 300 km and 200 miles which are (34 hours 26:29 and 38 hours 22:15 respectively). I have also been in contact with Guinness World Records (TM) with a view to setting an inaugural record for running from Leeds to London.
With the Flora London Marathon almost upon us it is easy to make the mistake of believing that the ultimate distance running experience is 26.2 miles. As one of the top ultra distance runners in the UK I don’t believe that’s the case and I am undertaking this run as part of my preparations for the Commonwealth Ultra Running Championships (to be held in September in Keswick – see www.cumbria commonwealth championships.org for details). For more details about me please visit www.thoughtsofanultrarunner.blogspot.com
All this seems to be all the more remarkable when one considers that I suffered from testicular cancer myself and later had part of my right lung removed due to lung cancer. As a cancer survivor myself it seemed a good idea to, at the same time, raise money in aid of Orchid as they are the only UK registered charity to fund research and awareness into all three male specific cancers: penile, testicular and prostate. Orchid also seek to improve education about them so that symptoms can be recognised and medical attention sought early; helping doctors to find cancers at an early stage when treatment is easier. Men should not die because of ignorance or embarrassment.
I still need all the help I can get to reach my target. Donations can be made at Otley to London
Chris Carver
for further details contact me on 01943 468109 or [email protected]
Full details of my training and other preparations can be found at www.run-to-london.blogspot.com
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