To celebrate my 40th birthday (October 16th) I decided to set myself a challenge to raise as much money as I can for charity.

The challenge was to do 4000 miles of running, cycling and swimming over the following 12 months until my 41st birthday.

However..after 9 months I passed my 4000miles target during a London to Paris bike ride and by the time of my final event, The Yorkshire Marathon, I had done over 6000miles. I'd competed in over 30 events, in over 11 countries, in 1 epic year.

Over the 12 months I suffered cracked ribs, broken and dislocated fingers, torn muscles and a lot of bruises. But it was all worth it, raising well over £8000.

I was proud to be awarded a York Community Pride for my efforts, and I've just been shortlisted for The Daily Mirror Pride of Sport Awards. 

To follow my progress and look back over my year in photos then go to my Wiggo 4000 facebook page.

Or watch this short 5 minute video. Grab a coffee, turn the sound up and press play! http://youtu.be/ViueH5kLJDY 

Events Included:

York Marathon

London to Paris (bike)

English Coast to Coast in one day (bike)

5k Swimathons

10k to 20mile trail and obstacle runs most months

Now, anyone who knows me will appreciate I'm not built like an endurance athlete, nor am I the type of person you see running in all weathers before they go to work each day. If this sounds remotely easy to you, then just remember I find running on roads boring; so there won't be much of that, and I have very short legs; so it's always a long way!

Why I'm Supporting The Alzheimer's Society

I've always been someone to volunteer for opportunites that come along in life; particularly those that push me out of my comfort zone. I really believe life is too short to put things off until tomorrow and you never know what the future has in store.

When I'm an old man I want to look back over my life, with my wife Helena beside me, and with fantastic memories without regret of missed opportunities. I imagine this is how many people feel about getting older.

The idea that a life of memories and knowledge could be wiped away, and that loved ones become strangers, is something which scares me if I'm perfectly honest.

When we first moved to York from Newcastle, one of the first friendly faces I got to know was the local barber down the street. Every couple of weeks I'd get my hair cut and he'd tell me about everything from local history, local football and where the best pubs were. After about a year he told me he'd just been diagnosed with Alzheimers. He certainly wasn't some old bloke in a retirement home; he was in his 50's and seemingly fit and well. I've never seen a man so scared of the future. Within a matter of months he stopped working and closed his shop. 

It really was that quick.

 

I'm funding all of my activities myself so you can be assured that 100% of everything donated goes to the Alzheimer's Society.

 

Finally...

The last time I did anything for charity was either bob-a-job week for the scouts or a sponsored silence in Longhorsley Primary School! (About 30 minutes if you're wondering) 

I don't follow the masses and ask for sponsoship to do a half marathon that I wanted to do regardless. I did an off-road Coast to Coast on a mountain bike last year (for fun!) and didn't bother anyone for money.

Averaging 11 miles a day, every day...when it's freezing and dark outside over the winter months is not my idea of fun!

So this is a one off. I'm so passionate about this and I know that with everyone's help we can really make a difference. Please sponsor me or support me in any way you can and I won't bother you again!

Thank you

Wiggo