168k Challenge

Hi, my name is Jacob, 24, from Liverpool.

In December 2019, I flew to Melbourne, Australia with plans to spend the next year and more travelling. As we’re all very much aware, Covid-19 struck and had a huge effect worldwide, so with that I decided it was best to return home to family and friends.

During the multiple lockdowns and restrictions that followed, I found that running was a good way of getting in my “1 hour” of exercise per day, as well as clearing my head from the madness of the pandemic. From there, I actually developed a keen interest and have recently taken part in a few half marathons, achieving decent times with each run.

However, I’ve now set a challenge to push myself further - I have entered two full marathons but will also compete in a few half marathons either side of them…

21k Heaton Park (Manchester) - 30/01/22

21k Aintree Racecourse (Liverpool) - 13/02/22

42k Oulton Park (Cheshire) - 06/03/22

42k Milan Marathon (Italy) - 03/04/22

21k Richmond Park (London) - 17/04/22

21k Gateshead Half Marathon (Newcastle) - 01/05/22

To help motivate me, I thought it’d be a good idea to raise money for charity in the process. I have decided to run on behalf of two brilliant charities who would benefit massively from donations, support and awareness.

• Dwarf Sports Association UK (DSAUK) is a national charity very close to my family and particularly my brother Dylan, who has Achondraplasia. The charity does incredible work and has given him and many others a platform to compete in sport at a very high level but more importantly, where they feel included and develop self-esteem.
  

• The other charity I would like to raise money for is more widely known - Alder Hey Children’s Charity. Our Dylan has undergone several major surgeries here but I know that most people are aware of the amazing work that is carried out by the staff at this hospital.
  

I appreciate that money is tight but these charities support their beneficiaries through very tough times, particularly through the lockdowns over the last couple of years. I’m hoping that doing my challenge will not only help raise awareness of these fantastic charities but also earn them a few quid!

I would like to thank anybody who has taken the time to read through my ‘story’ and a huge thanks in advance for any donations. I’ll give it my all!

Best wishes and good health for 2022.

Jacob