Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Cancer has effected so many people that I know, with some more fortunate than others. Whilst I am lucky and can say that I haven't lost anyone in my immediate circle, it is there. So, lets help keep up the amazing work that Cancer Research does and lets do something amazing to help raise money to support the cause; here we go... 

The Challenge 

I've always enjoyed running, although my commitment to it waned throughout those dastardly Covid years. Not in 2023. With a kick up the proverbial by my wife, Sarah, and a nod from the bosses at work, I've finally found my trail shoes again, and in September I'll be attempting to complete the Montane Dragon's Back Race: a legendary 380km, 6-day ultra running journey through Wales. That's the equivalent to: nearly 1.5 years of consecutive ParkRuns, 498,452 steps, (if the race were flat), and, 17,400m of elevation gain, almost climbing Mount Everest twice or 9,666.66 of me - I know, I'm short!

Dubbed the World's Toughest Mountain Race - questionable for those UTMB'ers (maybe next year) - it starts in Conway Castle on the north coast, ascending and descending relentlessly across most of Wales' best known peaks before finishing in Cardiff Castle. Montane Dragon's Back Race® - The World's Toughest Mountain Race - Ras Cefn y Ddraig (dragonsbackrace.com).  

Sounds great, no? Well, its absolutely my kind of cuppa. I've been known to go on the odd long run now and again, but this is proper next level stupid. I'm not going in to this relying solely on sheer bloody-mindedness this time, though. I've teamed up with New Levels Coaching Online Running Coach | Training Plans | New Levels Coaching to help set a plan, to build my weekly mileage, and to ensure that I'm ready to take on the challenge later this year. Its already meant plenty of winter miles in the dark, rain, and occasionally ice and snow; the weather in Brecon can be majestic or utterly miserable. The focus has shifted from building a base, working hard over shorter sessions to extending time on my feet and getting out in the great outdoors. There is a long way to go, literally!

The Charity

I've chosen to support this charity owing to the incredible work they do to help fight against this deadly disease. Those who work at Cancer Research are geniuses. The fabulous work they do is incredible and it deserves continued support in the combined fight against cancer.  

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. They support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. Their pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. You can read more about the charity here: About Cancer Research UK | Cancer Research UK, which includes some inspirational videos of the great work that they do.

Donations

I've set a target of raising £2,000. Whilst this is aspirational, I'd love to smash this target, not least to give me the extra push to complete this mammoth task. Any donations, large or small, would be extremely appreciated.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. Remember: get out there for an adventure, enjoy the spectacular scenery this country has to offer and be respectful of it, and keep on running.

#getoutthere

Best wishes,

Matt