Sometimes we look at what we’re planning and wonder how on earth we got here!
It was only back in March this year that Terri and I set out to train for what seemed like an enormous challenge: running 100 miles.
At the time, even thinking about that distance was a little overwhelming.
Then July came along, and somehow we both managed to complete 106.25 miles around Kielder Water, raising money for CALM and awareness of mental health.
And now, just a few months later, here we are preparing to run around 1,500 miles across Europe over approximately 75 days!
I’m not entirely sure whether we’ve become more confident or just a little more crazy. Perhaps a bit of both!
So, how are things going?
Training is going well so far. We’re getting out there, putting the miles in and gradually preparing ourselves for what lies ahead.
There’s still a lot of work to do, of course.
Personally, I (Stephen) could definitely do with losing around 9 kg before we set off. That’s one of my own challenges over the coming months, alongside getting stronger and building the endurance we’ll need.
And then there’s all the work that comes with organising a journey like this. Route planning, contacting businesses, arranging meetings, sorting out the practicalities, all while carrying on with everyday life and working at the campsite.
We certainly haven’t been bored!
But what has surprised us most isn’t the amount of work involved. It’s the response we’ve started receiving from other people.
The people who are becoming part of this journey
We’ve been having some really meaningful conversations and arranging meetings with charities and other organisations along our route.
We’ve also been speaking with businesses and individuals who have expressed an interest in supporting or partnering with us in one way or another.
Some may be able to offer practical help, others might consider sponsorship or simply help spread the word.
It’s still early days, and we’re not announcing any partnerships before things are confirmed.
But to everyone who has taken the time to respond, offer encouragement, express interest or simply listen to what we’re trying to achieve, thank you.
We genuinely appreciate it more than you probably realize.
What started as an idea between the two of us is beginning to involve conversations with people beyond our own little world, and that’s a wonderful feeling.
The excitement is something else
We’ve taken on some pretty big challenges before, but the excitement and anticipation we’re feeling about RELAY 116 123 are unlike anything we’ve experienced.
Yes, we’re excited about the running, the places we’ll see and the adventure of traveling from Hungary to the UK.
But what excites us most is the possibility of reaching so many people along the way.
We’re doing this to raise money for Samaritans, but also to encourage conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Both of us know from personal experience how heavy life can become when you’re carrying things inside and trying to deal with everything on your own.
Sometimes, simply talking to someone can ease some of that pressure you’ve been carrying around in your chest.
It might not make your problems disappear overnight. Life doesn’t always work that way.
But it can be the beginning of something changing. It can help you realize that you’re not alone, that someone is willing to listen, and that there may be a way forward you couldn’t see before.
That’s something we want to talk about throughout this journey.
Whether you’re in the UK, somewhere in Europe or on the other side of the world, mental-health struggles don’t recognise borders. And wherever you are, you deserve to be heard and supported.
If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about something they’ve been struggling with, that alone would mean an enormous amount to us.
And we’d love you to join us!
One of the things we’re really looking forward to is meeting people along our route.
You don’t have to be an ultrarunner or someone who runs marathons.
Perhaps you’d like to join us for 5 km, a few miles or a longer section of the journey. Maybe you’d simply like to come along and walk with us where it’s practical.
How far you go is entirely up to you.
We’re still working out the practical details and joining points, but you can already register your interest on our Join Us page.
We’d genuinely love to have people alongside us, not just for the running but for the conversations, the company and everything else that comes with sharing a little part of this adventure.
One step at a time
On 3 April 2027, we’ll set off from Tótkomlós in Hungary, running towards Leeds in the UK as a husband-and-wife relay.
Around 1,500 miles, taking turns to run and support each other, day after day.
There’s still an awful lot to organize before then, and I’m sure we’ll have our fair share of problems to solve along the way.
But right now, we’re feeling excited, grateful and more determined than ever.
Thank you to everyone who is following our journey, supporting us and helping us get this far.
We really hope you’ll be part of what comes next.
“What you can’t do alone, you can do with help. Ask for it. Accept it. Then reach back.”
Stephen & Terri
Explore our RELAY route | Support our fundraising for Samaritans
