The truth is - we are all very, very bored of Coronavirus. Wake up, eat, work, eat, sleep, repeat. Much purpose? Not really.

Up steps ex Navy Seal David Goggins who challenged his followers to take part in what he calls the 4 x 4 x 48 hour challenge.

This consists of running 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours. "Why on earth would you do that!?" we hear you asking. Very good question. We hope to find an answer soon. However, this slight wave of madness does present an excellent opportunity to spice up our otherwise mundane routines and support some great charities close to us.

We will all be giving to our own charities and would appreciate any and all donations that people feel willing to make.

As a persuasive fundraiser once said: 'Well the pubs are shut - so why not just donate the cost of a pint or two?'

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Perhaps you enjoy opportunistic charitable giving or perhaps this reminds you to give to your own chosen charity.

Perhaps this does nothing else other than act as a reminder that when times are tough, somebody somewhere has it tougher. If you're in that tough spot, you will come out the other side and you certainly are never alone.

Whatever reflection reading this triggers, we hope our pain and endeavors provide, if not inspiration, then at least some entertainment...

Follow us via Instagram @4x4x48_2021 (the one with Jonny, Jack, Sion)

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A little on our Charities...

JONNY - PLAN International:

I started donating monthly to PLAN during the 1st year of Uni and, apart from a brief pause during my time in China, have been ever since. One part of the cause that stood out to me was funding the education of young teenage girls who grew up in poverty, as without this they would likely be forced into marriage with a much older man. Having two younger sisters, who were both in their teens at the time, this resonated strongly with me and was more than enough to convince me that the amount I spent on one or two pints of beer could probably go to a better cause every month... PLAN aims to fulfill children’s rights, achieve gender equality and end child poverty. Underpinning this is the belief that every girl and boy has the right to be healthy, educated, protected, valued and respected in their own community and beyond.

Whether donating or not I'd encourage anyone reading to at least give PLAN International a browse and read some of the good work they do.

SION JACK & LUKE - Samaritans Emergency Appeal

The work that the Samaritans do has risen exponentially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone across the country (and indeed the world) has suffered in some way over the past year in a variety of different ways, but mental health is a major part of this. The work the Samaritans do save multiple lives a day - they provide an ear and a voice to those who may not have anyone to confide in, and their work around the clock in this pandemic is extraordinary. We are fundraising for their emergency appeal in order to raise funds tor recruit a bigger workforce and to save even more lives.

For both of us, running is a great way to keep our mental state healthy. Particularly in a period where we have to spend so much time indoors, we have found running to be the perfect escape from lockdown to get much needed fresh air and (sometimes) some sun. While this challenge may not be the most relaxing, we hope by attempting it that we may raise some money for a fantastic cause and also encourage others to give running a go.