Additional Support Worker David Crossley is aiming to run the West Highland Way in aid of the British Red Cross, while celebrating his wedding anniversary at the same time.
David, who works in Forth Valley College’s Business and Communities Department and his wife Helen, will spend the weekend of the 28 and 29 May trying to complete 'The West Highland Way Challenge Race' ultra-trail marathon - a 95-mile point-to-point race taking in some of Scotland's finest outdoor scenery.
The ultimate goal is start in Fort William and cross the finish line in Milngavie within the time limit of 35 hours. David hopes to raise as much money as possible for the British Red Cross and their many good causes, including support for the people of Ukraine.
David, said: “My wife Helen and I were both looking for a new challenge post covid lockdowns, to get us focused and motivated. Helen is a regular runner and had done many running events 10km, half and full marathons and Tough Mudder. Prior to lockdown I took up running with her, starting with couch to 5km and progressing to 10km from there I started entering running events first 10km, then a half marathon. We both agreed we wanted to challenge ourselves to something very different, an event here in Scotland.
“Before training even started, we had already worked on building up regular weekly mileage by taking part in the virtual Lands’ End to John O Groats challenge, from this we undertook our ultra-training. As the weeks of training progressed, the mileage increased and became all-consuming, life becoming a military operation to accommodate the time required to train and maintain all our other daily family commitments. We have run what feels like every inch of the Stirling and Clackmannan area trying to make up our miles!
“While the nerves and self-doubt are starting to creep in we are very much looking forward - after many months of running around Stirling - taking in all the beautiful scenery from Fort William to Milngavie. Having never done something like this before the location of this ‘Ultra’ was definitely an appeal.
“We have 35 hours to complete this challenge, with seven aid stops and two drop bags for food, refreshments and to change clothes etc. The night section - yes we will be running through the night - is 33 miles alone. So not knowing how we will feel on the day, we are not putting ourselves under any pressure. We would be more than happy just to complete it and not be part of the 40% that pull out. Having said that the cut off time to finish is 9pm on the Sunday and it would be amazing to be finished for teatime and get a proper feed!
“As well as a personal challenge, I am doing this it in aid of The British Red Cross. For the last 150 years, the British Red Cross has put kindness into action. Helping millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need when crisis strikes.
“The British Red Cross is a Worldwide Humanitarian Charity, helping millions of people in the UK and around the world to get the support they need when crisis strikes. They are independent and impartial, their support wide ranging, both practical and emotional, including providing support with the recent escalation of fighting in the Ukraine.
“The British Red Cross is assisting people during this time of heightened tension by providing clean water, shelter support and warm clothes for those who have left their homes.
“You can be sure your kind contribution will be used to give people in crisis the support they need and in many cases save a life that would otherwise be lost.”
Anyone wishing to donate to David and Helen’s fundraising effort should visit their Just Giving page here https://bit.ly/3yQqhsC