An incredible fundraising feat that will see Island Roads foreman Jack Faulds complete a marathon run every other day throughout January comes to an end today (Friday).
Jack will set off from Pan Stores at Royal exchange on Friday afternoon to complete the 16th marathon run of the month – all to increase awareness of mental health issues and to raise funds for suicide prevention charity the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
So far Jack’s fundraising has raised over £3,900.
Jack took up running following the suicides of several of his good friends. He has also taken a course to further his own understanding of mental health. In 2021, he ran for Prostate Cancer and raised £745.
Completing latest endurance feat
He is now looking forward to the completion of his latest endurance feat during which he has battled through fatigue, illness and some particularly severe weather.
“It feels nice knowing it’s all coming to an end but at the same time there is a sense of accomplishment at completing the 16 marathons and raising a really good amount for CALM.
“The support of friends and family has been really important. Getting lots of people out running with me – some completing their first marathons – has been really good too. The support I’ve had has been phenomenal and I am so grateful.”
Arduous schedule takes its toll
The hardest run along the way has been the eleventh because of illness and the toll of such an arduous schedule – all on top of his work duties. Jack said,
“That one was tough from start to finish because I was feeling so ill, had no motivation and no energy.
“There has also been some really bad weather along the way – running for four-plus hours in the pouring rain, really strong winds has also been tough and recovery time has also been slow as I have been doing the day job too so it’s been difficult to relax.
“But then you remember why you are doing this – for suicide prevention and awareness. I’ve also had really good support from lots of different people, friends family and people I don’t even know coming out running with me – that’s been fantastic and a real help.”
Support from RMA Sports Injuries Clinic
Jack has also received the support of RMA Sports Injuries Clinic in Newport, JF Performance – Sports Massage Therapy, and Sara’s Solutions of Ryde.
And how does Jack plan to celebrate when he finishes the last marathon on Friday night?
“I reckon I will get a nice big chippy and relax with my girls for a few days before I start training again. I’ve got a 100km race in April and then a 24hr endurance race in June.”
Ashman: He is such a powerful role model
Steve Ashman, service director, at Island Roads which will be providing some matched funding to boost Jack’s total said,
“We are all incredibly proud of Jack for his commitment to completing this incredible challenge.
“He is such a powerful role model for people inside and outside of the business. Well done Jack.”
You can read more about Jack’s story and donate to CALM by visiting the JustGiving Page.
News shared by Gavin behalf of Island Roads. Ed
