Running with terminal cancer Powered by people, dreams can happen
Having been back from my 968km trek to Tipperary for two weeks now, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect. And I’ve been wondering how two ordinary guys managed to take on and achieve such a mammoth challenge.
There were obvious things that had to work for John and I, and didn’t disappoint. Like our clothes, my Inov-8 boots that left me blister free, the route planning, snacks and overnight stops. But that stuff we could plan in advance. What made the trek deliver beyond our dreams were the people.
I can split them into three categories. There were those who turned up to walk with us, be it for half a day or a full day. The effort they put in just to get to us by trains, planes and automobiles at their own expense was quite touching and helped keep every day unique for us, with new conversations, jokes and all-round joy.
Next up were those we met on the way – some at the formal presentations I gave, but mostly random faces along the trail or afterwards in pubs and cafes. It was intriguing to hear their different stories as we travelled through the country, but a common theme was the fear of cancer and the reluctance to go to the doctor’s to get checked out. I do believe everyone we met felt more comfortable with making that call after chatting with us.
Lastly, and crucially, were the handful of people who ferried us to and from start points each day. Early on were some of John’s family and a couple of my friends but for the last days in England we had Ian, who every day dropped us off, checked out the finish and then ran up the trail to meet us, diverting to get snacks along the way. His wife even kindly came and got the washing mid-way! The same in Ireland, when Ernie took over, sorted our logistics, food, presentations, washing and even picking up a folding bike for me in case my leg failed (luckily it didn’t!). We’d have been lost without Ian and Ernie, and will forever be in their debt. Thanks, guys.
I hope you can be inspired by these incredible people. No matter how big or small the input, you can make all the difference helping someone achieve their goal.