WGM Knowledge Hub

Hi everyone,

I've traded the deep forest trails for the sea air and I'm gearing up for my next event this weekend. After all the last-minute drama and near-misses of September, I'm thrilled to have October's run locked in and ready to go.

This month, I'm taking on the Wight Lines Marathon, set on the beautiful coastal path at Milford on Sea. The route is an "out and back" that promises some truly fabulous views of the Isle of Wight and takes in the peaceful Sturt Pond Nature Reserve. While the description says "mixed terrain," I'm hoping for fewer ankle-deep mud bogs than last time.

I am also incredibly pleased to announce that this month’s marathon is being generously supported by FGM Claymore. Thank you so much for backing this ridiculous challenge! Your support is a massive boost as the final few months approach.

You know how people talk about "falling in love with running"? You can also fall out of love with it just as fast and at this precise moment, I'm firmly in the "breakup" phase. The weather is turning—it's getting colder, wetter, and darker—and so is my passion for pounding the pavement. Right now, the mental challenge of getting out the door is proving tougher than the physical miles. I'm finding the motivation extremely hard, but the commitment remains.

The body is definitely protesting this monthly abuse but the end is in sight. After this weekend, I will only have two more marathons left to complete of this crazy 12-in-12 challenge!

The True 'Why': The Conversation Starter

I’ve spoken to many people recently, especially at dealer meetings and events, and the first questions are always "Why?" and "What for?" Usually, they follow up with comments like, "You're mad," or "You must be nuts," or "You must love running!" If only that last bit was true.

But here’s the strange, honest answer I’ve been giving: the true goal of this challenge is just to encourage people to talk.

While reflecting on men’s health, I realised that these ridiculous monthly runs are the perfect conversation starter. It gives us a reason to pause, reflect, and discuss the more serious stuff that men often bottle up. The physical pain I go through is just the hook; the purpose is getting people to open up about their own well-being or to encourage them to take care of themselves.

Every time my Achilles flares up or I lose another toenail I remember the reason I started: to raise awareness and vital funds for Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael’s Hospice.

We’ve already smashed the initial £10,000 target and we are not stopping there. Every blister and every painful mile is powered by your generosity.

Please, sponsor me today, share my story and give me a shoutout.

Wish me luck for a beautiful (and hopefully warm) run along the coast!