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Andy Stephenson

PCAM Challenge 24

Donate to Andy and help them hit their goal of £500!

My Activity Tracking

30
mi

My target 24 mi

I'm fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest common cancer. More than half of people die within three months of diagnosis.

Survival rates for other cancers have improved dramatically in recent years. But decades of underfunding mean we still don’t have the tests and treatments to tackle this disease. People with pancreatic cancer have been overlooked and ignored for far too long.

That’s why I’m fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK and I'd really appreciate your support. Your donations will support vital, world-leading research, ensure specialist nurses are there to take more calls and fuel campaigns to drive positive change.

Together, we will bring more than hope to people affected by pancreatic cancer.

My donations could fund...

23

hours with a nurse on our support line

11

hours of early diagnosis research

Please support my fundraising!

Raised

£653 + £112.01 GiftAid

My Goal

£500

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My Achievements

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I've reached 50% of my target

I've reached my fundraising goal

My Updates

Monthly stats 2 - PCUK

Monthly stats 1 - Runkeeper

Day 30 post-run

Day 30 - 1.38 miles

Aaaaaaaaand that is that. Final day and final run of PCUK Challenge24 💜 I decided it would be fitting to go back to the original Day 1 route, hence the shorter distance.

I’ve been out for a run 19 times, covered 30.7 miles, learnt a lot about how unfit I am, learnt more about my ability to push myself, got a little fitter, a little healthier, a bit stronger…and raised a load of money for Pancreatic Cancer UK 💜 And - importantly - raised awareness of a horrible condition that takes too many people too early.

I have been surprised how many people I know have lost a loved one to it. This started as a way to raise money for a good cause and get fitter and has turned into something I’m proud and passionate about.

Soooooo…thank you to every one who has sponsored me (you’re amazing), everyone who has encouraged me (you’re brilliant) and everyone who has taken an interest (you’re wonderful). 💜 Love to you all 💜

Day 29 post-run

Day 29 - 1.71 miles

It was another one of those mornings where it felt like running through treacle, but it’s also another 1.7 miles racked up far a great cause…and I always feel better for just getting out in the fresh air 🙂

The cause pushes me onwards, but my wonderful sponsors make it worth every early start, ache and pain. 💜 Thank you 💜

Day 28 post-rn

Day 28 - 1.70 miles

That pesky calf was a little better today - less twangy, less sore - so I braved the cold and the slippy conditions for a bimble around the village.

It was lovely out…the sky was starry, the ground twinkled with ice crystals and I saw no people and just one car.

The amazing response to my endeavours has raised £540+ so far - an unbelievable total - so thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far 💜

Day 25 and 26 - poorly calf

Sunday’s run was marred by a tight calf - nothing too bad, but noticeably uncomfortable. Since then it’s been sore 😞 

I’ve torn a calf muscle before and it *really* hurt, so I’m conscious of not pushing things too far…no run yesterday, and I spent most of the day limping around so felt pretty validated, all-in.

This morning it feels a lot better but is back to being twangy and tight. I figure it’s best to let it rest again.

Hopefully back out tomorrow!

Day 24 post-run

Day 24 - 1.67 miles

To call this a run would be at best misleading and at worst an outright lie. More of a ‘yog’ - not quite a jog, but more than a walk.

However, to put all this into context…at the Pablo’s Dog gig last night, drinks just kept appearing in front of me…shots, pints, shooters…so to say I’m a little worse for wear would be reasonable!

It felt good to get out and I’m proud - and a little surprised -  to have achieved it.

Thank you to all of my wonderful sponsors 💜 It’s such a worthy cause and all donations help move us towards a better outcome 👍🏻

Day 23 - Snow!

Day 23 - Snow!

It’s a little snowy for a run. There are people who will undoubtedly relish the idea of running in the snow (Rocky 4 montage, anyone?) but not I. 

If it thaws sufficiently I might get out later, but am off up to see my folks later this morning (hopefully!) and can’t tonight as I am gigging.

Drumming for the duration of a two-hour set is apparently physically equivalent to running several miles though, so it’s not all bad 😁

Day 22 - Rest Day

It’s been a busy, stressful couple of weeks and though getting out for a run has been wonderful in terms of clearing my mind, things did rather catch up with me. So…rest.

Day 21 post-run

Day 21 - 2.08 miles

Maaaaaaan, it was cold this morning! But…(drum roll please!) 

🎈🎈🎉 I HIT MY TARGET!! 🎉🎈🎈

I set the target of 24 miles, for PCUK’s Challenge24 this November, and have done it 😁

Running is not an easy thing for me…I have various parts of my body that just don’t work that well (largely rugby-related, though I’m also asthnatic) but I’ve been forcing myself to get up and out and just run. I’m really proud of what I have achieved - I’ve proved I can do it, got a little fitter, a smidge stronger, a mite healthier, and raised a load of money in the process for a great cause. 💜

Im going to keep going and see what I can get to. Please keep the sponsorships coming in!

As always, thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far. Thank you for helping make a difference 💜

Day 19 post-run

Day 18 & Day 19 - 1.63 miles

That I didn’t even get the chance yesterday to log that I hadn’t managed a run should  give a good indication of my day. Didn’t get home until nearly 9pm, didn’t eat until nearly 10.

So I was up early again this morning but felt like I had weights strapped to me. The result? My 23rd fastest run….but it *was* a run and there were no stoppages. It was ludicrously difficult this morning…probably speaks volumes for good sleep, eating early and not being horribly stressed.

But still, I got out 💪 It was neither fast nor extensive, but I did it 🙂

Please keep the sponsorship coming in - you’re making a genuine difference 💜

Day 17 post-run

Day 17 - 1.57 miles

After a morning of rugby coaching and an afternoon of house cleaning, came home and got out for a run. I’m pretty tired now like.

Glad a I got out though - another small step to my goal!

Day 16 post-run

Day 16 - 2.10 miles

A gorgeous evening for a run, and my longest in years. It just felt good from the off, so I extended the route up out of the village and added an extra side-loop for good measure 👍🏻

I’m especially happy as I’ve spent the day grafting hard sorting at my folks’ house, 

Now: a deserved beer and tasty Korean food!

Thank you again to all my sponsors - you’re all utter legends! Thank you for driving me forward 💜

Day 15 post-run

Day 15 - 1.59 miles

Coooooooold this morning! Gloves on 👍🏻

I experimented today by adding a repeat of the little side-loop off the main street. Seems a good call - another 0.15 of a mile 😁

Felt good - or, at least, *better* this morning though. Still ran it all without stopping, but very slow. Still…I got out 💪

Thank you to my sponsors old and new. It’s a lovely feeling knowing I’m helping such a worthy cause 💜

Day 14 post-run

Day 14 - 1.43 miles

Back to it after three days of being sat on uncomfortable chairs, eating what I needed to get through (not what I need to be healthy). The effect of all this on my back has not been pleasant, so took things steady today. Slow pace but ran it all, and it went better than I might have expected 🙂

Looking forward to getting out again tomorrow 👍🏻

Thank you to all my sponsors for your kindness and generosity, and to everyone who has taken an interest 💜

Days 11-13 - no opportunity

I spent >40 of 60 hours across these days out of the house, either in crisis mode or too tired to think. No running, no exercise other than walking along corridors or up flights of stairs.

Day 10 - the view 2

Day 10 - the view 1

Day 10 post-run

Day 10 - 1.70 miles

New route and new start time today - an afternoon run up the the Yorkshire Wedding Barn and back.

Found this disproportionately difficult tbh. It’s a gradual uphill that I’ve run before but it floored me, then my back hurt rather a lot on the way down. So I walked a bit of it, but only a bit.

10th fastest ever - despite the walking - which is probably a good sign. It’s been a really difficult few days for me and I’d hoped for better in this run, but I a) still got out and b) finished it, so I’m proud.

Folks along the route were congratulating be and helping push me forwards., which was lovely 🙂

If you can spare anything to help support Pancreatic Cancer UK, please do. Huge love to those who have sponsored me 💜💜💜

Day 9 post-run

Day 9 - 1.44 miles

Not a morning run this time - various events over the past couple of days conspired to make that inadvisable - so I went out on the bells of 8pm…and recorded my third fastest ever run across 1-2 miles 😁 Proud Andy!

I’ve been flirting with running for about 10 years and was, at one point, vaguely fit. During Covid I was running often and the return to work kiboshed it. So to hit top three fastest is a big thing for me.

Onwards and upwards 👍🏻

Thank you again to all my wonderful sponsors…you’re really making a difference  in the fight against a horrible condition 💜

Day 8 post-run

Day 8 - 1.42 miles

Felt a bit better this morning - less of a headache and the knee was a bit happier - so up and out early for another little one.

It wasn’t far, but I’m getting faster…almost 2 mins/mile quicker than a week ago. 👍🏻

Thank you again to all the wonderful people who have sponsored me 💜 I hope I’m doing you proud 🙂

Day 7 - Rest Day

I’ve reluctantly decided to take a rest day today. Woke up (and indeed, went to bed) with a stotting headache and I feel ridiculously tired and fatigued. My left knee is also sore and a little swollen.

This is not just from running - I’m clearly under the weather and it’s also been a relentlessly busy week at work. I’ve found myself working late most nights and clearly haven’t had enough sleep.

I’m looking forward to getting back out tomorrow 👍🏻

Day 6 post-run

Day 6 - 1.44 miles

Ran. It. All.

😁😁😁😁

Day 5 Post-Run - with lightyhat 👍🏻

Day 5 - 1.40 miles

Same run as yesterday, though somehow 16m shorter 🤔

Buuuuuuuuuut…last night I got me a snazzy light hat. I can confirm that this morning there were no hedge near-misses 

Thank you to my new sponsors - I’m trying to make a difference x

Day 4 Post-Run

Day 4 - 1.41 miles

Up and out at 5:30am and a shorter one this morning…partially because I need to get sorted to start back at work over half term, but mainly as I could only run where there’s streetlights. Nearly ran face first into a hedge. Must rummage out my head torch 🙄

I suspect this will mainly be the route and distance during the working week though - will be useful to see how it compares between now and day thirty.

Ran everything though, other than having to stop to take my run photo. Hooray!

Day 3 post-run

Day 3 - 1.86 miles

If the ‘Three Day Wall’ isn’t a recognised thing for podgy 42-year olds trying to run, then it absolutely should be.

I woke up late with my legs screaming at me. Still got out though 💪

And despite an initial “Just a short one; my legs are screaming at me.” my sense of pride/adventure/idiocy took over and I decided to push myself a little more.

I had to walk some of this. Sorry 😔 But I pushed myself wherever I could, and ran all the way to the 1.4 mile mark. It’s progress across only three days - I’m excited for how it’ll be on day thirty 😁

Was another beautiful morning too. I live in a very beautiful place ❤️❤️❤️

Day 2 Post-run

Day 2 - 1.75 mIles

The sunny autumnal loveliness has gone for now, still nice conditions though…fresh and peaceful 🙂 I only saw two people and one dog!

Pushed a bit harder today adding a couple of loops out to the side of the Main Street. Ran for longer without stopping, and the one time I did stop it wasn’t for long 👍🏻

It’s not much in the grand scheme of things, but I’m proud of myself! 

Thank you to the wonderful people who sponsored me yesterday 💜💜💜

Durham riverbanks today - Prebends Bridge

This morning’s view!

Day 1 Post-Run

Day 1 - 1.4mile run and 1.7mile walk

Got up early for Run #1. Gorgeous morning! Hardly a great distance, but it’s certainly a start. And it went better than expected tbh 😁 Despite a difficult first 10 mins, my back eased up a little after a mile or so (hooray) but then my chest just isn’t used to this. It’ll get there 👍🏻

Later on went up to Durham with the kids and bimbled happily along the riverbanks between Elvet and Franwellgate Bridges before a tasty lunch at Vennel’s.. Another 1.7 miles bagged. 

We go again tomorrow…

Thank you!

So, a bit about me.

I’m 42, have a bad back, gammy knees and rubbish hips and am desperately trying to change the aspects of my life that sit in the intersect of a ‘stuff that makes me happy’ and ‘stuff that I can control’ Venn diagram.

I used to be fit. I want to get that back. But I also know people who’ve lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer…they can’t get them back. Maybe I can combine these two ideas and actually help.

I want to be a good example to my kids, so they can see that the bad things in life are tempered by the good things people do. Maybe this will help teach them empathy, maybe this will be something they are proud of me for.

I want to feel I’m doing good things for others. I’m an altruistic person who has never shied away from buying someone a pint or doing something to make someone happy. Maybe I can use that to make a genuine difference, however small.

I don’t know if I’m fit enough. I don’t know if I’m strong enough. I don’t know if I have time…but this is important and I’ll make damn sure I finish it. And finish it well.

Those who have sponsored me already…thank you. THANK YOU! You keep driving me on and I genuinely - even with the bad back, gammy knees and rubbish hips - can’t wait to start on November 1st.

-And

Thank you to my Sponsors

£26.50

Archie Kirby

Well done Andy

£21.20

Bridget Girvan

Awesome effort Andy, sending love and hugs to you all xx

£25

Gareth Hastie

£14.84

Louise Corcoran

£25

Anonymous

£10

Jenny Kellow

Well done Andy - a very worthy cause.

£26.50

Alasdair & Moira Imray

£10.60

Emma Robinson

£10.60

Neil Defty

Great job, dude! Mucho respect.

£5.30

Sarah Riley

£5.30

Teresa Picken

£10.60

Maxine Batson

£21.20

Amanda & Maisie X

Love the updates, such a great cause xxx

£5.30

Eileen Cole

Keep going Andy! 👏🏻👏🏻

£26.50

Richie And Emma Smith

Go well my friend. Good cause

£26.50

Morven

Well done Andy! Keep going, you can do this!!

£26.50

Catrina Imray

Good on you Andy! From Dan and Catrina x

£25

Eddie

Well done! This is a great thing you are doing.

£35

Martin Holden

Give it hell Tiger

£30

Terri Horner

Good luck. Thank you raising awareness of pancreatic cancer 💜 from The Horner's.

£26.50

Stuart Imray

£15

Emma Carr

All the best mate. Great cause x

£10.60

Chris Irving

£10

Andrea Saward

£26.50

Chris Hay

£10.60

Anonymous

£25

Nic And Alex

Well done And! Proud of you- running is hard!!!

£10.60

Anonymous

£25

Fen, Glo & Liam

Go for it Andy. Massively close to our heart. Pancreatic cancer took Glo's mam. It's a sneaky bastard that doesn't show symptoms until too late in many cases. Your efforts will help change this.

£10.60

Victoria Roberts

Well done Andy 👏

£42.40

Linda Stephenson

Go you! Enjoy your running. xxx

£26.50

Eva Mela

Thank you!

£26.50

Moira Imray

Good luck Andy. Such a worthy cause. X

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