Alex’s Wish JOGLE Challenge Update

On the 1st September 2018 Mark Smith, Director at Stephen George + Partners, started a challenge running from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, in support of Alex’s Wish, to raise money to help find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Mark had been training extensively, running up to 40 miles per day and attending regular gym sessions with a personal trainer and therefore he was well prepared, however Mark had an accident on his third day which meant that he has had to postpone his challenge until May 2019.

With Mark’s determination he was able to run the last 3.5 days on a torn extensor retinaculum ligament on his left foot. On his seventh day Mark arrived at Fort William’s accident and emergency where he was advised not to run because of the risk of causing a more serious injury.

During his run Mark had completed 185 miles (averaging 26.4 miles per day) with all of the £6,350.00 raised to date going to Alex’s Wish. We would like to thank everyone who has supported Mark and Alex’s Wish.

James Nicholls, Managing Partner at Stephen George + Partners, says: “The enormousness of Mark’s challenge and the logistics behind it should not be underestimated.”

Emma Hallam, Founder of Alex’s Wish says “Despite the setback, Mark is an absolute inspiration and his determination to continue regardless of the pain he endured sums up Mark’s attitude to this challenge. From the moment he mentioned he wanted to do this incredible challenge, Mark has been 110% committed to his training regardless of the weather or how he was feeling. He felt incredibly strong towards doing this challenge because he can whilst boys with Duchenne can’t and he wanted to raise as much money and awareness as possible to help children with this devastating condition. We are so grateful for all the money raised to date and for running the distance he did. We wish him all the very best and a speedy recovery.”