Eric's Steeple Chase

Well, well!  What a day it was! The fact that I DID IT, (that I completed the 72km run past 25 churches within the allocated 12 hours for the work of Christian Aid), is the least significant part ….truly…. because the whole day has been a celebration of goodwill and camaraderie among many people who supported me.

I set off at 6.08am and there was plenty of adventure on the way, including a very steep, slippery and muddy hill; sodden grass fields; and a totally flooded area, with a river current, which we had to wade through knee-deep. 

“We finished 30 minutes behind schedule, but comfortably within the 12 hours cut-off time. The number of people who came out with me were more than I’d expected, and many of them stayed with me longer than they’d planned. My thanks to everyone who supported and donated. I know every amount generously given will help support projects in the most vulnerable communities around the world.”

The route around Sherborne was split up in 6 legs, with 5-minute whistle stops planned at 5 churches on the way. Those 5 minutes did not prove nearly enough for a change of  support crews, and in particular the time I needed to eat and care for my neuropathy affected feet by 5 changes of socks and 2 changes of shoes. 

I was truly and fantastically looked after by the people running with me, or cycling along with us (Thank you, John!), for cheering us on along the way. 
A special mention for 2-year old Hayden, who announced our arrival at yet another church by ringing his cowbell! His Dad Tom did great camera work and set up a dedicated ‘Eric’s Steeples Chase’ Whatsapp Group which worked very well on the day and in the post-run communications with Christian Aid. 

The number of people who came out with me were more than I’d expected, and many of them stayed with me longer than they’d planned. I feel very humbled by all 35 of you.

You helped me navigate the route and bits of difficult terrain; made sure I didn’t go too fast in the beginning; looked after any needed communication, and generally kept my morale up, (not in the least by the fact that I could hear that you at least were having a good time when I was in front!). A special mention for Rob and Kim D whose mechanical and logistics skills saved the day for my wife Rosaleen when she arrived at the first planned stop at Sandford Orcas with a tyre puncture. 

And then there was the finish at our home church St Paul’s. It was wonderful to be met with cheers and claps of many. It’s smiles only on the faces of the ‘leg 6’ support crew at the church entrance, which tells it all. 

I do not know how to thank this wonderful congregation for the way they have supported my campaign for Christian Aid in so many ways, not least with the prayers of many throughout the day. I feel very blessed to be part of (y)our church community.

And last but far from  least,  a message to my wife Rosaleen, here looking at the ‘Leg 6 crew’: “ I’ve finished my ultramarathon ‘career’, and I want to learn the new skill of going out together for short and meandering dreamy walks, in those beautiful places in Dorset. You’ve been rather deprived of those.

The churches on this 72km route are: Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne Cheap Street, Sherborne Castleton, Oborne, Poyntington, Corton Denham, Sandford Orcas, Trent, Nethercompton, Overcompton, Bradford Abbas, Thornford, Lillington, Beer Hackett, Yetminster, Ryme Intrinseca, Chetnole, Leigh, Hermitage, Glanvilles Wootton, Holwell, Bishops Caundle, Longburton, Folke and finally the church where I worship, Sherborne St Paul’s.

I'm really glad I've been able to complete the challenge, as I would not have wanted to step out of the 'race for Christian Aid' just because the going is a little tough. This option of stopping when it’s tough is not available to the people Christian Aid support, whose lives are a constant and relentless battle to survive

Although I have raised more than double my target, target there's still time to donate till at least the end of November.

How can you support my effort for Christian Aid?

You can sponsor me by ‘hitting’ the Donate button. Your gift can be gift-aided.