In 2025, I am undertaking a series of physical challenges over 7 months. My 2025 will be filled with plenty of marathons, triathlons and ironmans! I have already begun my intense and rigorous training, and I am looking forward to facing these challenges head-on.

I am undertaking the following 9 challenges to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice. St Oswald’s Hospice is a local charitable hospice rooted in the North East. They have supported local people and their families for over 35 years, providing free specialist care for adults, young people, children and babies who are living with a progressive, life-limiting condition, and supporting their families and carers too. St Oswald’s Hospice are a great charity who do meaningful community work, and I am honoured to be raising money to put towards their incredible cause. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Challenge 1

9th March - Kingdom of Northumbria

I will begin my 2025 Cloud 9 challenge in March with the Kingdom of Northumbria, running 34 miles along the stunning coast of Northumberland. Starting at Bamburgh Castle and finishing at Druridge Bay Country Park.

Challenge 2

27th April - Ironman 70.3 Valencia

In April, I will undertake my second challenge with the Ironman 70.3 in Valencia. Beginning with a 1.9km swim in the Marina de Valencia, followed by a 90km cycle throughout Valencia, with an elevation gain of 700m! Finally, I will complete a 2-lap 21.1km run along the Túrua River path, where I will finish this triathlon!

Challenge 3

25th May - Edinburgh Marathon

My third challenge is one I have attempted before, the Edinburgh Marathon. However, this year, I am aiming to improve on my time from last year, running 26.2 miles through the historic and picturesque city of Edinburgh.

Challenge 4

14th June - The Wall (70 Mile Ultra)

Challenge four is a 70-mile ultramarathon called The Wall. Running a route along Hadrian’s Wall, I will start at Carlisle Castle and finish at Gateshead Quayside.

Challenge 5

22nd June - Westfriesland 70.3 Ironman

Challenge 5 will be the halfway point of my 2025 Cloud 9 challenge, and I will be doing another half-ironman to mark this! This time in the Netherlands. This challenge begins with a 1.9km swim around the old harbour in Hoorn, followed by a 90km cycle through the Danish countryside, finally I will complete a 21.1km run through the city centre of Hoorn.

Challenge 6

19th July - Castle 2 Castle (100 Mile Ultra)

Challenge 6 is my longest running challenge of 2025 – a 100-mile ultramarathon! This ultramarathon begins at Bamburgh Castle and ends at Edinburgh Castle, following a scenic costal route.

Challenge 7

16th August - Kalmar 140.6 Ironman

In August, I will be undertaking a full 140.6 ironman in Sweden. Beginning with a 3.8km swim in the Kalmar strait and the waters of the Baltic Sea, then to the island of Öland on a 180.2km cycle route, where I will be crossing the famous Öland bridge twice! Finally, a 42.2km three-lap run along the beach and through Kalmar.

Challenge 8

31st August - The Geordieman 140.6

My penultimate challenge will be back in Northumberland for the Geordieman for a full distance triathlon. A 2.4-mile swim in the Ladyburn Lake, followed by a 112-mile cycle along the Northumberland coast and finally, a 26.2-mile run around Druridge Bay Country Park.

Challenge 9

7th September - Great North Run

For my ninth and final challenge, I will be in Newcastle for the Great North Run. Starting in Newcastle, heading over the famed Tyne Bridge, through Gateshead and finishing in South Shields.

Based in the same place as St Oswald’s Hospice, this half-marathon is the perfect finale to my 2025 Cloud 9 challenge!