Any fundraising challenge should be based on a simple idea and the concept for this is neither new nor complicated, however mentally and physically its not going to be easy. There should also be a fine line between success and failure, you want something that you can achieve assuming all goes well - but in a challenge of this duration there is always the risk that something can derail the plans....

Anyway enough rambling, like I say the concept is simple, starting on Friday 22nd September 2023 and ending 10 days later on Sunday 1st October I will be running the Loch Ness Marathon on 10 consecutive days. 262 miles of Road running over 10 days is likely to take a toll but for me the challenge of being able to pick yourself up day after day to face the same routine and come through it with the amazing support of those around you is somewhat fitting.

How can you help?

No1 - Donate some pennies, or preferably some pounds... This becomes such a motivating factor knowing that people have pledged their money to support you. In the darker miles when the wall is looming this can be the difference.

No2 - I will be on the hunt for a volunteer for each day to take me to the start, meet me along the route and get me safely home at the end, will do this closer to the time but something to think about if you have a free day.

No3 - If you wish to run any of the route on any of the days with me you are more than welcome, obviously depending on timings and logistics etc.. Just keep in mind the majority is on a public road with traffic.

No4 - I will get my hands on a bottle of something alcohol based in the coming months, so anyone who sponsors me if you can also guess at what you think my combined finish time will be and whoever is closest will win the bottle. So 10* marathon finish times = ?? As usual I will have a time target in mind but I promise I wont be offended by your guesses!!!

No5 - Sharing, I dont expect everyone to donate money as I know this is not the easiest of times we are living through, but whether you do or dont donate anything the other big thing you can do is speak about it, raise the profile a bit, share the link on Facebook to your own news feed and encourage others to donate, I have no worries about who donates to be honest, friends, romans, strangers, whatever... :)

I will try to post a monthly update to the page but no promises as I sometimes lose track of time...

Many thanks for taking the time to read through this and thanks in advance for any help that you give, it means a lot to me but more importantly will make a huge difference to people lives through the hard work and dedication of those at Mikeysline, so on their behalf I give another heartfelt - Thank You.

Cheers

Steven

A word from Mikeysline:

At Mikeysline, our ultimate aim is suicide prevention. We were established in 2015 following the suicides of two close friends within days of each other, Mikey Williamson and Martin Shaw, both aged 23. Our textline service was set up to provide an anonymous, safe, confidential way to access peer support, a listening ear from someone who understands what that person may be feeling, having their own lived experience of mental health issues. We also operate a drop in centre, The Hive, on Academy Street in Inverness.