My time as a UK resident is coming to an end this summer, and I wanted to tie my remaining challenges here to a great cause supporting something I'm passionate about. Action Medical Research are the leading UK-wide charity saving and changing children’s lives through medical research. For 65 years they’ve helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and develop treatments benefiting millions of people. Their research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound, fight meningitis, and prevent stillbirths. But they urgently need to develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children and they can’t do it without you. Join the fight for little lives.

Originally this fundraiser was set up for breaking the records for both the Pennine Way and the Wainwrights in 2021. In May 2021 I completed the 260 mile Pennine Way and reclaimed the record. Unfortunately my Wainwrights attempt (214 peaks in the Lake District taking in over 320 miles and 110K feet of ascent) was stopped short due to foot problems. I will revisit the Wainwrights for another attempt in May 2022, and before that I'll have another attempt at the big 3 rounds solo in mid winter, and will be putting together the Butcombe Trail Pub Crawl in April. But of course the importance of the cause has zero correlation with the success of these challenges.

With the Hartley Slam I supported Blueprint for All (formerly Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust). They're doing amazing work and I will continue to personally support them, but in doing these fundraisers I believe it's as much about raising awareness and the follow-on benefits as it is the direct immediate donations. I hope in highlighting a few different charities that more people will see one that really resonates with them and drives them to be actively engaged and supportive indefinitely. It's the whole give someone a fish vs. teach them to fish thing. While Blueprint for All helps young people who are socially or economically at a disadvantage, Action Medical Research helps kids who are medically at a disadvantage.

First three photos (from the Pennine Way): Steve Ashworth Media
Last three (from the Lakes during last year's Grand Round): The PH Balance