Simon’s 450-mile run across three continents for Rainbows

A county businessman plans to run 450 miles across three continents to raise money to support youngsters with life-limiting conditions.

Marketing professional Simon Davies, 41, from Market Harborough is currently in training to run 150 miles across the Arctic Circle in the new year. In the summer he plans to head for the suffocating heat of the Amazon Jungle to complete a similar distance before rounding off his extreme triple challenge with a final 150 miles across the Namibian Desert.

He hopes to raise £25,000 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Simon, who is a partner in Enderby-based marketing agency Makalu, says becoming a parent himself to 18-month-old Morgan is his inspiration.

He said: “When you become a parent it changes your perspective. I feel incredibly grateful. I worry when my little boy gets a cold – I just can’t imagine what parents of children with life-limiting health issues must go through.

“I have visited Rainbows before, so I have seen the amazing support youngsters and parents receive when they need it most. I want to raise as much money for this incredible charity as I can,” Simon added.

He says he’s just started training for the Arctic stage of his run, working out two hours every day at the Training Shed gym who are helping Simon with the rehabilitation of an ankle injury as well as proving structured training throughout the entire challenge. He’ll also be running long distances at the weekends from now until the first five-day race takes place in February.

Tom Stanyard, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Rainbows, commented: “We are in absolute awe of the challenge Simon is taking on – and extremely grateful for his pledge to support the hospice.”

“I’m a very average runner,” Simon insists, but admits gaining a taste for tough physical challenges after completing his first marathon in New York 15 years ago. “Four years ago I ran across the Sahara! I suppose you always want to go one better.”

He says he spends much of his working day behind a desk, sitting in meetings, or on the telephone. “I’m passionate about the work I do. The same goes for my leisure time – and doing something physical is a good balance to my days spent in the office.”

For further details about Simon’s epic challenge, or to donate visit: www.icedesertjungle.com