Russell Taylor, is walking a marathon across the South Downs through the night to raise funds for the Sussex Cancer Fund. The event, which has been delayed because of Covid will now take place in May. Russell is also a member of the Sussex Vale Rotary Club, and the club has very generously sponsored Russell £500 to help get him to his target of £2000.
Russell said “I decided to take part in this event – run by an outdoor company called Charity Challenge – because I have cycled this route (during daylight hours!) and thought this would be a really good challenge to do this at night. Being recently retired after doing a global Human Resources job for the last 10 years, I was looking for challenges like this.
The walk was originally scheduled for November but due to Covid restrictions during lockdown, it has now been rescheduled to March 13 / 14 2021.
Whilst the postponement was disappointing, it has given me more time to raise more money for the Sussex Cancer Fund – and to train properly to complete this safely. I have walked 18 miles so far on the Downs in training and will do gradually longer walks over the next 4 months. Walking at night is so much tougher and slower though – as it is so easy to trip over, especially in bad weather. Also, I will have been awake for about 22 hours which adds to the challenge. I expect there will be a group of 30 – 40 doing this night walk with me – so I am not the only crazy person around!
Why the Sussex Cancer Fund? It is a tremendous charity that does great work in the cancer units of Sussex NHS hospitals – and one that my Rotary Club – Sussex Vale Rotary – have previously supported. Not only does it help provide cancer facilities with equipment and consumables, the SCF has provided substantial funding towards cancer research programmes.
Sussex Vale Rotary have kindly donated £500 to this fundraising – which is tremendous at a time when like so many charities, our fundraising capabilities have been curtailed.
So far generous donations have totalled nearly £1,300 – so any help you can give to reach the £2,000 target and beyond will be really appreciated.”
The Challenge – Night Marathon Trekking the South Downs National Park
Negotiate rolling chalk hills and cliff tops. A marathon distance trek…..at night. To watch the sunrise over the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
Description: Push yourself to the limit on this unique night-time trek through the South Downs National Park. Following part of the famous South Downs Way, you’ll battle fatigue, the elements and the demanding terrain of one of southern England’s newest national parks. You’ll negotiate the rolling chalk hills and cliff tops that lie between Firle Beacon and Beachy Head.
The Route
We would like to thank Russell for taking on this amazing challenge, and also the Sussex Vale Rotary Club and all those that have donated so far.
If you would like to support Russell and his amazing night marathon please use the button below. Good luck Russell!
