A personal trainer from Westbury, Mike Johnson, has raised over £500 for charity, with donations still coming in.
Mike, who is no stranger to a challenge, set himself a huge task of running 64 miles from Bristol to Weymouth to raise money for Dorothy House and Cancer Research in memory of his granddad who died just over ten years ago.
“When I do something, I like to do it differently and really push myself,” he explained. “I’ve done some silly things to raise money for charity; a 72- hour tennis marathon, 100,000km rowing challenge and burpee and press challenges as well.
“But this challenge was special to me because I did it in loving memory of my granddad, my inspiration and hero. I started at Bitton Railway Station and finished at the beach in Weymouth; both are places that he used to take me. Plus, he used to cycle the route when he was younger to get to his apprenticeship. I think that’s amazing.
“I’ve never been a long distance runner so this challenge really pushed me to the absolute edge. But knowing that I was doing it for charity pushed me even more.
“I had the support of my friend, Matt Speakman, who ran alongside me for the first 26 miles. And the incredibly energetic cheer leaders Kirsty Mead and Jasmine Walter drove and ran alongside me as well. At about 8am I was joined by my crazy boot campers Rachel Williams, Michael Williams and Sarah Morgan, who were an absolute pleasure to see. Their witty banter kept me going.
“I was in so much pain but it’s amazing when you feel at your lowest, the people closest to you pick you up and make you feel strong. They really picked me up at such a crucial point into the run. I actually couldn’t move at one point and needed a road side massage; it looked a bit funny! My wife and nan also drove down to keep me going mid-late afternoon.
“It was a blazing hot day with temperatures reaching 25 degrees and I had only just shaved my hair off – talk about timing! Anyway, after almost crying like a baby due to the frustration of the never ending roads, I finally made my target 19 hours later.
“I knew I would complete it, even if I had to crawl to the finish. It was really tough. I went through all the emotions possible. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet that I’ve done it. It was a personal challenge for me as well as I learnt a lot about myself doing it. But to be able to do something I love, whilst raising money for charity is a great feeling and I hope the donations keep coming in.”
You can sponsor Mike by visiting; www.justgiving.com/mikejohnsonweymouthcancerresearch/ or www.justgiving.com/mikejohnsonweymouthdorothyhouse/
