Just over a year ago today (29th Aug 13) I received a call every parent never wants to receive. My two children Lauren then 9 and Cameron then 7 had been involved in a head on collision in their Grandma’s car and were being airlifted to hospital.

 

The next few hours was an emotional roller coaster as I travelled home from Scotland back to Wales. The relief on learning that they were conscious and alert I cannot describe.

 

All in all we spent about a week in hospital, the damage done by their seatbelts was mended and cuts & bruises healed, Nintendo DS’s were replaced and we as parents reflected on how lucky we had all been.

 

A year on and Cameron has some nice war wounds to show off and other than an occasional comment or bad dream which we hope will cease in time they have both made a full recovery.

 

The care Lauren & Cameron received at every stage was incredible and we will always be grateful. One organisation in particular stood out not only because of the incredible life saving service they provide, nor because of the compassionate and professional manner in which they operate, but the fact that they rely 100% on charitable donations to continue to operate.

 

On learning this I felt duty bound to try and do my bit and have been searching for an appropriate challenge which hopefully justifies the amount of money I am trying to raise.

 

The Welsh Air Ambulance

 

Find out more about the Welsh Air Ambulance service here. Each mission cost the charity on average £1,500. I am aiming to raise £3,000. I recognise that this is a large amount of money and hope that the size of the challenge justifies this.

 

The Challenge

 

The challenge I have found is an event called ‘The Spine’. It describes itself as follows;

 

The Spine Race is Britain’s most brutal race. The longest, coldest and most demanding mountain marathon in Britain. 268 miles of ice, snow, cold and savage winds. The Spine Race is an non-stop, winter mountain marathon encompassing the entire Pennine Way. Widely recognised as the most demanding National Trail in Britain, the Pennine Way crosses some of the most beautiful, difficult and challenging terrain found in England, including; the Peak District, Cheviots, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park – finishing on the Scottish Borders.

 

 You will face the most extreme weather conditions England has to offer; deep snow, ice, gale force winds and rain in a gruelling non-stop race from Edale to Kirk Yetholm.

 

It’s not just the conditions that are against you – your own body could become your worst enemy with tiredness, fatigue, sleep deprivation and exposure playing havoc with your performance. To finish you must be prepared and willing to push yourself harder than ever before.

 

 The Spine Race was first attempted in January 2012. During this first attempt we witnessed many courageous attempts to finish the 268 mile course. Three athletes would eventually finish.

 

 Find out more about The Spine Race here

 

 Along the way I hope to take on some tough challenges to help me prepare.

 

On the 7th September I will be competing in the 10 Peaks – Brecon Beacons, 55 miles and the 10 highest points in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

 

On the 26th & 27th Oct I will be competing in The OMM, a two day mountain marathon again in the Brecon Beacons.

 

Nov & Dec I will probably do a couple of training weekends on the Pennine Way itself, although I am toying with a winter attempt of the South Wales Traverse depending on how the body is feeling.

 

The Spine kick’s off on the 11th January 2014.