Nigel`s Challenge

What a great 12 months 2010/2011 was for Blackhill Bounder Nigel Cook as he set himself a challenge to run 10 Half Marathons in 10 different countries (or islands) within 10 months.

Why did he do it.

Willow Burn Hospice needs public fundraising to ensure its very survival. Nigel is a Trustee of the Charity he wanted to give something back other than his time. In his own words, “Whatever I do to support them, I will never match the amazing efforts of the staff and volunteers who make the hospice the fantastic place it is”.

The Runs.

1. August 10 – Ramsey, Isle of Man
2. September 10 – Glasgow, Scotland
3. September 10 – Great North Run, Newcastle, England
4. October 10 – Amsterdam, Holland
5. November 10 – Benidorm, Spain
6. December 10 – Calvia, Majorca
7. January 11 – Tromso, Norway
8. January 11 – Marrakesh, Morocco
9. March 11 – Lisbon, Portugal
10. April 11 – Prague, Czech Republic

Nigel successfully completed his challenge by running, The Isle of Man Half Marathon, The Great Scottish Half Marathon in Glasgow and The Great North Run raising almost £9,000 at this point in sponsorship and pledges.

Over the next following six months he ran Half Marathons in Amsterdam (Netherlands), Benidorm (Spain), Calvia (Majorca), Tromso (Norway), Marrakesh (Morocco), Lisbon (Portugal) and finished in Prague (Czech Republic) on April 2nd 2011 and in the process raised just under £23,000for Willow Burn Hospice in Lanchester Co Durham

Since completion Nigel has been selected to carry the Olympic torch from Shotley Bridge to No1 on the 16th June.

An excellent achievement, well done Nigel!