Diary of a fell runner: September 2018

Avid runner Chris Pilkington is taking to the fells in his quest to raise vital funds and awareness for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Chris, from Penwortham, has already taken on sponsored challenges for the charity such as organising a walk around the Guild Wheel with around 60 people, which raised thousands for the hospice. Now, he’s gearing up to take on some of his biggest challenges yet – a number of gruelling 15k and half marathon runs in the Lake District.  He’ll be keeping us updated on his progress through blogs and video diaries, and in his first entry, he explains why he wants to support St Catherine’s, and tells of his love of running and the Lakes.

After playing football for years and getting injured quite a lot, I decided to start running up hills and trails in the Lake District. I figured running in a straight line with me in control is healthier than running back and forth on a pitch and being injured all the time, and I’ve never looked back.

I enjoy the freedom of running and enjoy every minute. Sometimes I train well, sometimes I don’t, but I still turn up and just use my head and legs and hope for the best! It’s a case of ‘mind over matter’.

I run to clear my head; I run as a hobby; for my health; and for the hills. My two sisters and I were brought up in a walking family – we go to the Lakes regularly with my mum and dad and I love a good day out with everyone. Sometimes I go by myself to walk or run; I’ve already done the Old Man of Coniston and Jack’s Rake in the Langdale Pikes.

I decided it would be a great idea to put these expeditions to good use and represent my local hospice – helping to raise awareness of the wonderful work St Catherine’s does, and hopefully generate funding for the cause.

St Catherine’s has supported friends and family close to me and I couldn’t think of a better charity to support. I am running for my Grandma Joan Pilkington and everyone else who has experienced the amazing care offered by St Catherine’s, as well as all the staff and volunteers at the hospice.

My upcoming challenges throughout the rest of 2018 are:

• Keswick 15k
• Coniston 15k
• Hellvelyn 15k
• Ullswater 14k
• Langdale 13.1miles (half marathon)
• Trough of Bowland 13.1miles (half marathon)

I’m looking forward to the adventure, and sharing my experiences with you! To keep up-to-date with my progress and to donate to St Catherine’s Hospice for my efforts, please click here.

Share with your friends!