TWO friends who set out on a 10 month long challenge to be the first Brits to run round the perimeter of Australia, have struck misfortune.
The plucky endurance runners have picked themselves up, however, and are continuing with a new plan to raise money for two charities.
Jack Pitcher, 28, from Bracknell, and Joshua Smith, 21, from Reading were due to take part in a historic event, Project Perimeter.
They would have completed the entire route around mainland Australia over the course of 10 months, running 30 miles daily.
An unfortunate turn of events has made that impossible.
Joshua said: “We recently had to change plans due to a car accident.
“Our engine died in the outback which left us with financial constraints – but we’re not giving up.”
Determined, despite everything, to continue to raise funds for borough group ARC Counselling, and UK charity Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), the pair have embarked upon a new challenge.
“We’re currently running from Perth to Sydney, that’s 4,000kms and we’re attempting to break the British record currently held by Niki Love at 77 days.
“I personally am looking to become the youngest person ever to run across Australia.”
On day 12 of their new challenge, the pair had already covered just under 600kms in 11 days.
Now, nearly four weeks into the adventure, they hope to raise £375,000 for ARC Wokingham Youth Counselling, which provides accessible, free and subsidised counselling services.
A further target of £125,000 will go to SSAFA, which supports and offers guidance to veterans post service.
The pair have a history of completing ultra-endurance events, and show a tendency to attempt the impossible.
They are determined to continue despite setbacks, and hope that people will support their 4,000km fundraising effort.
For information, and to support them, visit: givestar.io/gs/project-perimeter, ssafa.org.ukand arcweb.org.uk
