Running for Rob, Raising for Pip

Across 2023 I'm undertaking three ridiculously ambitious running challenges to raise money for/to remember two people who many of you will call friends; James Middleton, who suffered life-changing injuries whilst out cycling in late 2020 and my best mate, Rob Jones, who passed away suddenly in July 2021 aged just 36.

James Middleton - AKA, Pippa.

On 14th of November 2020 a horrific road traffic collision left James Middleton with multiple, catastrophic injuries.

Through a combination of the love and care of Antonia and his family, wonderful medical treatment, the support of his friends and colleagues in the Out of Home industry and wider community, and - not least - his own inspirational courage and determination, James is making progress that defies the odds and medical expectation.

But the road to recovery is long and arduous. That's why we're still trying to raise funds to pay for care, rehabilitation and the necessary house improvements to access and convenience that other sources don't fully cover.

James is a well-respected and widely loved member of the Out Of Home family. Having worked on the sales team at both Signature Outdoor and Ocean Outdoor, he’s repped all of the major Specialists and a number of key agency groups. As an incredibly talented cyclist, James has raised significant amounts for charities himself over the years.

Specialist and Media Owner partners from across the industry have supported, and continue to support one of our own.

Rob Jones - AKA, the one who couldn't understand why anyone would ever run anywhere. Ever.

On Friday 2nd July 2021, Rob Jones passed away suddenly following a cardiac arrest whilst on a family holiday, leaving behind his then two-year-old son Billy and fiancee Mel.

Rob was such a huge part of so many of our lives. He too having worked his whole career in the OOH industry, as a Project Manager at ADXBA and Concept Signs on the screen build/management side of the business. Rob managed major rollouts for businesses including Signature Outdoor, Forest Outdoor, City Outdoor, Open Media, Ocean Outdoor, Alight Media, Global, Clear Channel, JCDecaux and many more.

Rob knew Pip through our shared line of work and was devastated by his accident. He'd be delighted to have his name attached to something that was raising funds to help him in his recovery.

Running for Rob, Raising for Pip will see me take on three ridiculous challenges:

- First up is the Jurassic Coast Ultra Marathon on 25th March - a 40 mile run/crawl across the (surprisingly, to me) undulating coastline between Abbotsbury and Lulworth Cove.

- In July I'll be taking on the 4x4x48 challenge - which is pretty simply... A 4 mile run. Every 4 hours. For 48 hours.

- Finally, in honour of mine and Rob's unwavering support of two distinctly average football teams, in October I'll be running from Wembley to Villa Park in 5 days along the Grand Union Canal. The route will be just short of 5 back to back marathons.

I'm in no way an athlete like Pip, and Rob would be horrified/knackered at merely the thought of what I'm attempting, but I'm hoping to raise some much-needed money for one hell of an inspirational bloke and all in the name of a true hero of mine who so many of us miss every single day.

If you could please spare a couple of quid I'd be hugely grateful, as will the families and friends of both Rob and Pip.