My Next Mad Challenge

Well, here we go again—another year, another challenge. But this one? This one’s epic. I’m wheeling 10 ultra marathons in 10 days. Yes, wheeling. As in pushing myself 500km-ish across the country in my wheelchair. Why? Because why not do something absolutely mental if it's for an incredible cause?

Let’s start with the why: I’m raising money for ChildFund Rugby, a phenomenal global charity that uses rugby to empower children and young people, especially girls, in communities where opportunities are limited. It all began in Laos just over a decade ago, and today, they’ve created a worldwide movement that’s about so much more than sport. We’re talking confidence, life skills, teamwork, and connection—all through the glorious chaos that is rugby.

Now for the what: Alongside dragging myself across Britain, I’ll be carrying the official Rugby World Cup whistle—the very one that’ll kick off the next Women’s Rugby World Cup. For a superfan like me, that’s like being handed the One Ring (minus the whole Mordor thing). It's a massive honour, and a symbol of everything this challenge is about: resilience, visibility, and making some very loud noise for women’s rugby.

My journey kicks off in London (location at the moment is yet to be confirmed) and ends at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on the 19th. Ten ultras. Ten days. A whole lot of sweat, blisters, and possibly tears. I’m hoping to break ground, too—because as far as we can tell, no one’s ever wheeled this kind of ultra-marathon series or any ultra using any kind of wheelchair before. There’s probably a good reason for that. It's really, really hard.

Training right now is... brutal. I’m talking back-to-back ultras, gym sessions with 60kg strapped behind me and high-speed track intervals that feel like wheeling through glue. My body’s not thrilled. My arms are constantly plotting revenge. But we're getting there.

Luckily, I won’t be doing it alone. My amazing wife will be with me for the first half—she’s my rock, my calm in the chaos, and the only one who knows exactly how to keep me sane. For the second leg, my mate Paul (of Adopstar) who made this website and this blog (genius!) joins the crew. He’s chilled, funny, and super supportive, and drove the support car on my last bonkers adventure from John O'Groats to Land’s End. Basically, he’s a total legend.

Why am I doing this? Because rugby—especially women’s rugby—is magic. It's community, chaos, and courage. It's athleticism, teamwork, and a good dose of madness. These women are smashing stereotypes (and each other), and they’re doing it with skill and spirit that’s just electric. And rugby’s got a place for everyone, every body, every ability. That’s what makes it special.

So follow along. Cheer me on. This is going to be epic, painful, uplifting, and—if all goes to plan—history-making. Plus, I’ll be sharing all the ups, downs, and miles, on my blog and socials. Let’s go change the game, one wheeled ultra at a time.

Stay positive. Stay kind. Stay slightly unhinged!