A super-fit teacher inspired by his fiancée’s work as a children’s hospice nurse is raising funds by taking on a gruelling 200-kilometre run from Brighton to Ipswich.
Olly Page plans to leave the Sussex coast at 6am on Friday, 29th May and trek through the night – eventually arriving in his hometown at midday on the Saturday.
He is taking on the ‘Project 200’ challenge to show his support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), as partner Holly Fuller is a nurse at The Treehouse.
“Although I’m sure a few nerves will kick in nearer the time, I’m mainly excited at the moment and can’t wait to get started,” said the 26-year-old, a PE teacher at Chantry High School.
“I feel positive and have confidence in my ability from a physical perspective. By hook or by crook, my legs will get me there.
“The bigger test is going to be mentally and psychologically, when the demons kick in during the small, dark hours of the night. That’s when I’m going to have to dig deep.
“Having said that, I have a very special reason to keep going and will be inspired and motivated by the thought of supporting EACH.
“What I’m doing is for my own personal satisfaction, because I’ll be ticking something off my bucket list and fulfilling a personal milestone.
“However, I also want to help others by raising funds and spreading the word about what an outstanding place the hospice is.”
Olly decided to take on the challenge late last year, and, as a warm-up, has signed up for the Brighton Marathon on 12th April.
In addition to his running exploits, he is also planning a fundraising evening with a raffle and auction to be held around Easter.
“There’s only so much Holly tells me, and I know she’s extremely well supported by her colleagues at The Treehouse,” said Olly.
“However, I know there are tough, emotionally challenging days, and I take my hat off to her for the job she and others do.
“When I tell people my fiancée works at a children’s hospice, I know their first thought is death and dying.
“The Treehouse is about so much more than that, though.
“Through Holly, I know about all the events, the fun band practice sessions and the sibling days in school holidays.
“The staff go above and beyond to provide the best-possible care and support to children and families, and it’s an amazing place that deserves our full support.
“People have thanked me when I tell them what I’m planning, but I always say it’s not me they need to thank – it’s the people who work and volunteer for EACH.”
Olly, who lives in Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, is aiming to raise £5,000 and hopes to motivate his students at Chantry High School.
He plans to speak about his challenge in assemblies and ‘inspire the next generation’, as he only started running when he was 20.
After leaving Brighton on 29th May, he will run through Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Crawley – Holly’s home town – before passing through London and heading north via Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester and Manningtree.
To show your support and sponsor him, head here.
