This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
A group of police officers are preparing to push themselves to the limits of the Isle of Wight in a gruelling challenge for charity this weekend (June 25 and 26).
Three officers are aiming to complete the Round-the-Island Multi-Stage Ultra event, which involves running 70 miles in two days. The first day covers 38 miles, the second day 32 miles.
The event, which follows the route of the Isle of Wight coastal path clockwise, is organised by ‘Extreme Energy’ and coincides with the round-the-island yacht race on the same weekend.
Early starts at the weekend
Participants start at 8am from East Cowes on the Saturday (June 25) and 7am on the Sunday (June 26) from Brighstone. The finish line is at (West) Cowes High School.
The three police officers, PC Paul Spreadbury (Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Teams), PC Matt Wilford (Isle of Wight Targeted Patrol Teams) and PC Chris Canavan (Shanklin Safer Neighbourhoods team), are raising money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Hope to raise as much money as possible
PC Paul Spreadbury, aged 35 from East Cowes, said: “The air ambulance is an amazing cause and a fantastic life-saving piece of equipment. Police officers have an enormous amount of respect and appreciation for the skills and expertise of the crew, who we’ve seen in action many times on the island. The air ambulance costs hundreds of pounds per flight and an estimated £3,000 per day so we would like our endurance efforts this weekend to raise as much money as possible to keep this helicopter in the air and saving lives. To make a donation, please visit our website.”
“I like a challenge”
PC Matt Wilford said: “I like a challenge having previously completed half-Ironman events, the Three Peaks Challenge and kayaking the River Severn in previous years, I must admit though this is the first one that has ever concerned me about finishing but it’s definitely worth the effort for a great charity.
PC Chris Canavan said: “This event will be the longest distance I have ever covered but it’s not about speed, it’s about just getting into a comfortable pace and finishing, which is more important than anything else. I am looking forward to the whole weekend and completing it will be a fantastic achievement.”
For more information about the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Website please go to the website.
