On New Year’s Day 2022, I woke up and decided to run 1,000 miles in a year. Seemed like a simple challenge at the time but, as a non-runner, I completely underestimated how difficult it would be. To complete the challenge you have to run just over 19 miles a week, roughly equivalent to a marathon every 10 days. No weeks off, no excuses, and it’s turned into somewhat of a nightmare. My legs ache, my knees hurt and I never want to run again. I am 667 miles in, but have a third of the way still to go. To aid in increasing my motivation, my brother and I thought I should try and raise money as I attempt to complete the challenge. Once I have some sponsorship I have to finish it, right?! So whilst I try to run the last 333 miles, I’d like to raise money on my brother’s behalf so that he can make a donation to the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital where he has received care for the last 2 years. Here’s why . . .

In Jan 2021, Simon was diagnosed with throat cancer, after which he endured the most gruelling regime of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although this cured his throat cancer, it left him with malignant cancer in the fluid around his heart, which has now spread to his lungs and his liver. Unfortunately, there are no further treatments available and, in August 2022, Simon was discharged home for palliative care. He is an inspiration, having endured his treatment and now end-of-life care with determination, courage and good humour. Throughout it all, he has praised the wonderful staff at the Cancer Centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital who treated him with the greatest care and compassion. We also know of many others around the region who have benefitted from the care provided by Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. Simon would love to make a donation to the North Wales Cancer Appeal to be able give something back to the staff and patients there, but he is unable to raise money himself. So I am doing it on his behalf.

We do understand the financial pressures on families at the moment, but if you have a few spare pennies, we would be really grateful if you would sponsor me to try and complete my running challenge in order that Simon can make his donation. Simon would love to raise £1,000, which will be £1 for every mile I will have run this year.

Please help us both keep up our motivation over the next few months, as neither of us is quitting without a fight!

Now for the small print: I must complete the total of 1,000 miles by midnight on New Year's Eve 2022. All miles are run outdoors or on a treadmill and all distances recorded to 0.1 completed miles. Speed . . . well, we don’t talk about speed, it’s all about the distance! All money will go to the North Wales Cancer Appeal, registered charity number 1138976.

Thanks for reading and maybe sponsoring us!

Sam and Simon Johnson