Robert's 2020 Challenge in Memory of Ben and Mum

Robert Brighton 10th May 2020 This event has closed

Story

Update: I did it. 2020km run. I ran my final 10km in Roundhay Park on the 31st December and we've smashed my target even before you take into account gift aid!

190 hours / 190 runs / 2020km - DONE

I did this challenge in honour of Ben, and on behalf of his friends and family, as we try to raise as much money as we can to help contribute to the £17k to cover the cost of the five weeks Ben spent at She Ryder in Leckhampton. So far the combined total of everyone's efforts has raised over £55k.

I also completed this challenge in memory of mum who passed away in June 2020. Mum was really touched by Ben’s experience and chose to support Sue Ryder wherever possible, from furniture and clothes donations, to sponsoring me. 

Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – we’re there when it matters. Our doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.

Having had the chance to see the phenomenal work of Sue Ryder first hand, I just had to do something to help them continue to care for and support those in need, all with the most amazing level of tenderness and compassion especially throughout the toughest of years.

I decided to do something well out of my comfort zone so over the course of the year from 1st Jan to 31st Dec I ran 2020km (about a marathon’s worth a week...) 

There was plenty of mud, the odd bit of blood, too much rain, even sleet and snow. Lots of sweat, some tears, occasional giggles, and every now and then my buggy buddy and a wayward dog. 

I've had my fair share of injuries and illnesses. I ran through the pain and the grief, and I've come out of this challenge a different person.

Thank you so much to everyone who followed my progress, donated, cheered, asked after me and wished me well.

Lastly, a huge thank you to my brilliant wife Ali, who has relentlessly supported me in the challenge with love, encouragement, childcare, food, lie-ins, cheerleading and content!


Updates

Robert Brighton

1st March 2020
February has been a bit of learning curve. Not sure what caused it but my right knee has not been happy. Suspect a combination of too much too soon, plus a helpful sprinkling of no regular warmup or warm down routine. A fair bit of googling and YouTubing later and I’m spending some time every day stretching and strengthening, and even changed my shoes (both work and play) to vivobarefoot. Have been concentrating on foot placement and posture when running to try and gently run my way back to full fitness. Not 100% but better. Bring on March. 💪

Robert Brighton

3rd February 2020
So...one month in, 175km run in 15 runs and I’m even slightly ahead of schedule! It has been a bit of a fight to get out into the elements some mornings, and a few lunchtime dashes have left me radiating at my desk in the afternoon. Holding together fairly well, with my bruised 2nd toes being well on the mend, and my knees slowly coming to terms with the grind. The cherry on the top of my January efforts was stumbling up to this newly finished mural on the 31st and seeing Sue Ryder up there. A Leeds legend. Only 1845kms to go!

Robert Brighton

1st January 2020
Completed the first 9km run today, only another 2011km to go. I’m nervous about hitting the milestones, staying injury and illness free, but come what may I’m doing this. I’ll be posting weekly updates and race day updates otherwise there’s going to be a lot of noise in here, but for blow by blow accounts you can check out my insta - @2020ChallengeForBen or my Strava for in depth stats on how slow I’m running and how often I appear to stop to pick up Angus’ 💩