“A brisk walk” – 180-mile round route on foot and cycle Two local men are in training for the challenge of a life-time, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Chris Read and Nick Harvey will, in June, attempt to run the 90-mile stretch between South Shields and Gretna, then cycle back again, completing within 48-hours.
Chris Reid, local businessman and Nick Harvey, milkman decided to take part in this event to support Teenage Cancer Trust when they saw the plans to develop a £150,000 specialist facility for young cancer patients in Hull and East Yorkshire. The Trusts’ plans include a four-bed unit at the Castle Hill, Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology which will provide its teenage patients with some of the best facilities in the UK.
Chris Read says: “Teenage Cancer Trust relies on fundraising events to provide a better environment for these patients. We wanted to take on a challenge that would inspire and encourage support. We knew it had to sound a bit crazy and we thought our idea for a 180-mile round trip would do just that. We are both fitness fanatics and saw this as the ultimate challenge.”
“The event is also being sponsored by members of the local business networking group, known as the BCC and all funds raised will go towards the Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology fund.”
Nick Harvey says: “We hope to raise around £5,000 from this event and we are also planning a number of smaller events in the run up to this as a finale.”
“Both Chris and I are really excited about this task and working hard to prepare. During our training we are running 30 mile stretches but we know it is going to take a lot of determination to continue for another 150 miles. I cannot wait for the day to arrive and look forward to finding out how much money we have raised for this very worthy cause.”
James Brereton, personal trainer is working with the pair to ensure they are in peak physical condition, to undertake this mammoth trail. He says:
“These two guys have a spirit and determination to be applauded. I have never heard of anyone completing a trail such as this and when they showed me their plans, I knew that although it seems unfeasible, technically it is possible and is a mental exercise as much as a physical one.”
“This is not an event which anyone can undertake. In preparation, they are following a highly specialized programme for training and also following a perfectly balanced diet of fats, protein and carbohydrates. They have plenty of time between now and June to prepare their body and mind.”
A number of events are planned by members of the BCC. Eddy Northcott from White Label Management is organizing a charity fundraiser at the Royal Station Hotel in Hull on Saturday 28th May 2011. This event will also help raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.