Chris took on ‘The Wall Ultramarathon’ on the 14th June 2025 – a 70-mile run along and around the historic Hadrian’s Wall.
Chris is a family friend of heart warrior Freddie McDonald. Freddie’s family are organising a fundraising ball later in the year and Chris wanted to support them by raising funds.
Chris said:
“In November last year, I signed up for “The Wall” – a 70-mile ultramarathon from Carlisle to Newcastle. At the time, it was a personal challenge (I was goaded into it by a mate!) – something extreme, something that would push me beyond my comfort zone, something that would give me focus for the first half of 2025.
“But as the training went on, the motivation behind the miles took on a much deeper meaning when I decided to raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
“Our good mates, the McDonalds, have a strong connection to the charity through their son Freddie, who has directly benefitted from the fund’s vital work. Seeing the positive impact the charity has had on their family made the choice of who to support an easy one. I wanted to run not just for myself, but for something that mattered – something that would help children like Freddie and families like theirs.
“The training was long and often monotonous. Running through all types of weather and racking up the miles month after month can take its toll – especially when you’re juggling family and work. But having a clear purpose made it all so much more worthwhile.
“Race day itself was a rollercoaster of emotions and endurance. The day started with lashing rain, my feet were soaked within the first couple of miles, and the blisters started to appear at about mile 15.
“There were some big highs – ticking into the 27th mile, further than I’d ever run before; traversing the steep hills as I approached mile 30; meeting my wife Emma at a couple of the later checkpoints and feeling the support of fellow runners and spectators that I hadn’t met before.
“There were also tough lows where it felt like the finish might never come, particularly the last 6 miles in the dark coming into Newcastle. But knowing I had already raised over £4,000 kept me going.
“I was messaging the McDonalds from about mile 50 and remember one really funny exchange, where Freddie himself was abusing me for the colour of my (bright orange) trainers. These were the moments that kept me going!
“Crossing the finish line over the bridge into Gateshead was one of the proudest moments of my life – not just for completing the challenge, but for what it represented.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me and donated, and I’m proud to have done my small part to help such an important cause.”
“We were over the moon when we heard about Chris’ challenge and that he was raising funds for us. What a challenge to take on – and he did so well!
“£4,190 raised for our heart unit, patients and families. Thank you Chris and everyone who donated.”
What an incredible challenge – and phenomenal achievement. Thank you Chris. CHSF can only do what we do because of awesome people like you!
Feeling inspired?
Have you got a fundraising idea or want to chat through how you can help CHSF? Drop us an email at info@chsf.org.uk!
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