A KEEN runner from Wokingham is taking on a virtual long-distance charity fundraising challenge.
Michael Kirkwood — known as Mikey — is attempting to run 874 miles, which is the same distance as LEJOG or Lands End to John O’ Groats.
He will build up the miles over the course of the year to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity.
The distance is part of Mikey’s training for two half marathons, Wokingham and Reading, and a 50 kilometre (32 miles) ultra marathon. A normal marathon is 42 kilometres or 26 miles.
“I’m looking forward to the Wokingham half next month, as it’s my first time doing it,” Micky says.
“But my biggest challenge will be in October, when I take part in the South Downs ultra marathon.”
Joining his local running club, Finchampstead Coasters, encouraged him to push his love for running further. Mikey says they are a “very friendly group of people.”
He is also motivated by his own experiences with mental health and wants to give back to the charity which helped him.
“Mind helped me to get out of a low point I was having three years ago,” he says. “Having someone to talk to really helped me.”
Fundraising for Mind is a family affair too, as Mikey’s wife Gemma took part in the hundred miles for Mind challenge last year.
“She’s encouraged me a lot,” he adds.
As well as being supported by his wife and two children, Mind have also got behind his efforts.
Ian O’Reilly, head of community and events fundraising at the charity, wished Mikey all the best with the challenge and says the charity are grateful Mikey for his support.
To complete one of these running challenges is impressive enough, let alone all the others on his list,” Ian says.
“One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.
“Every donation that Mind receives allows us to support as many people as possible.”
For more on Mikey’s challenge, log on to: justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Kirkwood2
For more information on Mind, visit: mind.org.uk
