A couple from Cowling have completed an extraordinary 106-mile running challenge around Kielder Water, raising more than £1,250 for suicide prevention charity CALM.
On 28th July, Terri and Stephen completed four continuous laps of Kielder Water in Northumberland, covering 106.25 miles the equivalent of running four marathons back-to-back.
The challenge included 10,835ft of climbing and took the pair 34 hours and 26 minutes to complete.
The pair took on the challenge to raise money and awareness for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a suicide prevention charity supporting people struggling with mental health.
They say their own experiences with mental health struggles made the challenge about much more than simply completing an enormous distance.
They wanted to raise funds while also encouraging people to talk about what they are going through and reminding people that they are not alone.
The pair describe themselves as “not professional athletes”, but rather an ordinary couple who got into running, hiking and taking on challenges.
For them, those challenges have become a way of rebuilding themselves, pushing their limits and hopefully using their experiences to do something meaningful.
The challenge also has strong links to North Yorkshire.
Terri grew up in Leeds and served for four years in the British Army, including a tour of Afghanistan.
Stephen was born in Hungary but describes himself as being “made in North Yorkshire” something he even has a T-shirt to prove.
The couple's home is now in Cowling, although they are currently working in Bellingham, Northumberland, not far from Kielder Water.
Their fundraising total has now passed £1,250 for CALM, with the fundraising page remaining open for further donations.
The pair's achievement has already led to another challenge, as they have been invited to take part in the official Kielder Marathon on 4th October.
After completing more than 106 miles continuously, the couple joked that the event should feel “almost like a short run” by comparison.
The original challenge was inspired by the idea of “The Weight We Carry”, reflecting the different forms of weight people can carry in life.
Some of it can be physical, while other forms can come from grief, regret, addiction, family history, loneliness, financial worries, pressure or self-doubt.
The couple hope their challenge will help encourage more conversations around mental health and show that people do not have to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for help.
Their message is simple: whether through talking, reaching out to someone or simply checking in on a friend, small actions can make a difference.
With more than 106 miles completed, over 10,000 feet of climbing conquered and more than £1,250 raised so far, Terri and Stephen's Kielder challenge has combined an extraordinary physical achievement with a very personal cause.
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