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The friends taking on an extraordinary ultramarathon challenge
Their monumental challenge may not have gone to plan so far, but that isn’t stopping two friends who are determined to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Ollie Samuel and Alex Wilson planned to set off together on Wednesday to run a 177-mile-long historic trail in five days in aid of Dementia UK.
Tackling 9,303m of elevation, the extraordinary ultramarathon navigates a historic trail that follows the ancient earthwork marking the Welsh-English border, known as Offa’s Dyke Path.
The pair were motivated to take on the challenge as Samuel has been battling pancreatitis for the last 18 months.
But in a terrible twist of fate, Samuel was hospitalised on Monday with a third round of the illness, meaning Wilson has set off for Offa’s Dyke alone.
The experienced ultramarathoner said the challenge will push him to his “absolute limits”.
Alex Wilson will tackle the epic ultramarathon alone as Ollie Samuel wills him on from his bed at the Bristol Royal Infirmary – photo: Dementia UK
Speaking about why the friends are fundraising for Dementia UK, Samuel said: “Watching a loved one go through dementia is heartbreaking.”
“It robs people of their memories and independence and puts a huge emotional strain on families.
“This run is my way of fighting back and supporting the people who help.”
Joanna Sullivan, deputy director of fundraising at Dementia UK, added: “We are so grateful to Ollie and Alex for taking on this incredible challenge for Dementia UK.
“One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
“It can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them, and their wider family and friends.”
To support Samuel and Wilson in their journey, visit their fundraising page
Main photo: Dementia UK
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