I wanted to set myself a big challenge that combined my love of away days with my passion for running and for my hometown of Burnley. From this, the idea for RunAway took shape. 

I will be running to all Burnley FC 2018/19 Premier League away fixtures, setting off from Turf Moor each time.

Over the course of the season, RunAway will incorporate dozens of
ultramarathons, equating to 3000 miles of running. I’m doing this because I know, from personal experience, how running is a powerful tool to achieve positive mental and physical well being.

I spent two decades working for charities in parts of Southeast Asia that were seriously affected by violent crime and poverty. My experiences left me with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression – running was a major part of my therapy in overcoming this. I want to use that experience to benefit others and I think football is the perfect way to unite people in this cause.

All the money I raise will go to Burnley FC in the Community, the official charity of Burnley FC. They will then distribute 50% of the funds raised by The RunAway Challenge to local charities in Burnley. The other 50% will be divided between the community trusts at each of the Premier League clubs I’ll be running to.
This way, I hope the challenge will leave its mark on communities across the country – not just here in Burnley.