On Saturday 7th September our bird work team member Martin Newman took on the massive challenge of completing a 100km walk in 24hrs!
Martin began walking at 10am Saturday morning and finished at 3am on Sunday morning. He didn’t quite make the 100km as “his legs and feet got the better of him” and the weather meant a lot of people took a tumble including Martin. His achievement is still incredible and he raised lots of money for an amazing cause - The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre which conducts life-saving research, treatments and care. Since 2007 Prince William has been president of the centre which was a position previously held by his mother (Princess Diana) who knew the importance of the work done by The Royal Marsden and was very close to her heart. As Martin says: “Cancer affects so many people from very young to very old and in so many different ways. We all know someone, from a family member or friends or co-worker who has been affected by cancer. It affects everyone in every way.”
For Martin, it was his “beautiful wife, a very long family friend” and “close co-worker and more importantly close friend.” These “very strong, brave people” are what drove him to take on this challenge to raise money for such an important charity.
“A walk of this size is something I’ve thought about for some time and to do it while raising money for such a fantastic cause is absolutely amazing,” he added.
The route began in Eastbourne, then a big climb up to Beachy Head and the magnificent Seven Sisters and then along the beautiful South Downs Way. Martin described the walk as having “amazing views” and “the people were all lovely”.
Martin’s determined spirit hasn’t wavered and he is planning to complete the last 30km when his feet have recovered. He concluded: “The support I've had is amazing and I'd like to thank everyone.”
We are so proud of Martin and his incredible achievement, he is an inspiration to us all!