Running slightly too far for a good cause

A principal information analyst at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust is preparing to take on one of the UK's toughest ultra marathons to raise funds for WHH Charity.

On 24 July, Karen Ross will set off on the Lakeland 100, a demanding 105-mile ultra marathon through the Lake District featuring more than 22,000 feet of climbing. Starting at 6pm on a Friday evening, the challenge gives runners until 10am on Sunday morning to complete the course.

Karen, who has worked at the trust for seven years, admits the event will push her further than any challenge she has attempted before.

While running has become a huge part of her life, the Lakeland 100 will test both her physical and mental endurance as she tackles almost two days of continuous movement through the mountains with very little sleep.

Karen's preparation has taken over much of her summer and has included completing the London Marathon, She Ultra, Grindleford Gallop and Hebden 22, alongside countless long training runs in the hills. She will also be taking on Hadrian's Wall as part of her preparations.

Speaking about why she chose to support WHH Charity and Pearce Ward, Karen said: "Events like the London Marathon really reminded me why challenges like this matter. Running alongside people who were blind, had lost limbs, were living with serious illness or fundraising for loved ones was genuinely humbling. It puts sore legs and tired feet into perspective very quickly.

"Pearce Ward cared for my brother-in-law Paddy before he sadly died from non-Hodgkin lymphoma last year, and the care he received there was extraordinary. Supporting WHH Charity is also incredibly important to me because it helps services we work with every single day across the trust.

"If turning an admittedly daft running challenge into something positive can help even in a small way, then every mile will be worth it."

Funds raised through the challenge will be shared equally between Warrington and Halton Hospitals' Charity and Pearce Ward at Wythenshawe Hospital, helping to support patients, families and staff through enhanced services, facilities and equipment.

To support Karen’s fundraising challenge, visit her fundraising page.