On Saturday 24th August, four best friends from South Manchester are stepping out of their comfort zones to take on the Loch Ness 24 challenge. James Madeira, Joe Madeira, Joel ‘JJ’ Kinsella, and Joel Walsh, aka ‘Team Lochedin’, are raising funds for The Christie Charity, a cause close to their hearts.
The Loch Ness 24 is a gruelling 24-hour team relay or solo trail running race along the stunning shores of Loch Ness. Participants aim to complete as many 7km laps as possible along trails that weave through ancient Scots pine forests and Loch Ness beaches. For Team Lochedin, the event marks their first ultra-marathon adventure as James Madeira explains:
“Two of us hadn’t ever really run further than from the sofa to the fridge, so it’s fair to say a few eyebrows were raised when we first told people we were each planning to run an ultra-marathon in Scotland.
“We decided to take on the Loch Ness 24 to show our support for the incredible work of The Christie Charity and also to challenge ourselves to our physical limits. Whilst we cannot fully comprehend the tough journeys faced by cancer patients, this ultra marathon pushes us out of our comfort zones and symbolises the physical and mental determination and resilience shown by the strong individuals supported by The Christie. Our close friend Cam, plus mine and Joe’s Auntie Annie are both undergoing treatment at the moment, so the chance to take on this adventure together, makes it even more special.”
James, Joel, Joe and JJ (all age 23) have all been best friends since they attended Cheadle Hulme School together.
“Being from the North-West of England, The Christie has played a role in each of our lives at one point or another,” said James. “We have witnessed first-hand the unbelievable care and support provided by the hospital to a number of our friends and family members at a time when they needed it most. Having each had close family and friends undergo treatment at The Christie, we feel that we have a duty to raise money for this incredible hospital and play a tiny part in contributing towards an amazing charity and foundation.”
James, Joel, Joe and JJ have all been training hard around Manchester for the past few months, as well as at a training camp in Wales, uploading their runs to Strava, and getting plenty of group runs in together.
“We’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about taking on the Loch Ness 24,” says James. “The idea of running through the night with little to no sleep is definitely not something we’re looking forward to. It’s going to be tough, but the cause is worth it.
“So, whilst we’re gearing up for a lot of sweat, possibly some tears, and more than a few blisters, we’re also gearing up to hopefully make the smallest of differences. And if we spot Nessie along the way, well, that’s just a bonus!”
Team Lochedin’s goal is to complete as many laps of the Loch Ness circuit as they can within the 24-hour time period, aiming to run a total of 200 kilometres with at least one team member running at all times.
To support their fundraising, visit the JustGiving page here:
James Madeira is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY (justgiving.com)
