Donating to a very worthwhile cause, Action Medical Research

After months of training, we set off on a seven-hour drive to Keswick in the Lake District last Friday to take part in the ‘Race the Sun’ challenge, organised by Action Medical Research for children.

Action Medical Research

Action Medical Research is the leading UK charity funding vital research to help defeat the diseases that devastate the lives of sick and disabled babies, children, and young people.  They were founded in 1952 with the quest to find a cure for polio. Their main focus is now on the young.

The Challenge

Our day started at 6.30am, just before sun rise with a 40-mile cycle ride. The rain did not dampen our spirits or those of the other forty-one teams who were taking part. Whilst some were there to win the race, our objective was to enjoy the day and get round in one piece!

The Race the Sun challenge is made up of three parts. The first is a cycle ride, then a 2.5 mile canoe across Derwent Lake. This was followed by an eleven mile hike up and down Skiddaw Mountain. The idea is to complete the event by sunset. We made it back in time finishing at 5.45pm. We arrived at the finish line to a loud thunderous applause by the other teams before us.

All of us have total respect for Action Medical Research. This event was very well organised and ran by an army of volunteers who put our safety first. As we were walking / climbing up Skiddaw Mountain (at 3,054 feet, the sixth highest mountain in England) I was wondering why they had so many marshals logging our team number. As we got nearer the top, visibility was poor, and the temperature dropped. I can see now why it’s so important to be well prepared when hike up a mountain!

As we retired back to our Bed and Breakfast lodging in Keswick, we reflected on what we achieved during the day. Dominic, Tony, and I had raised nearly £5,000.00 for Action Medical Research. Their team/organisation deserves every penny, such wonderful people.

For us, we have the honour of completing the challenge and spending quality time together.

Next challenge – Dorney Lake half Marathon, Sunday 12^th December – I will be wearing my WestWon t-shirt.