Over the course of summer, Mark Oxford, Liz Tyler and Jeff Hume are embarking on ultimate personal challenges all in the aid of charity. Challenges include a London to Paris, Great East Swim, Three Peaks, and exclusive Anniversary run at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - and between the team, they’ll be tackling over 300 miles - all in the aid of charity.
Going to Great Lengths
Kickstarting tomorrow and wetsuits at the ready, Mark and Liz will be taking the plunge into the cool depths of Alton Water to take on the Great East Swim.
Mark on the swim: “I’ve set myself up for three waves over the course of the day and also encouraged Liz to take part in a mile, which'll be a first for Liz. One of my waves is going to be a mile butterfly (ouch). I’m also volunteering to lifeguard, it’s looking to be a great day.”
Liz included: “I’m not a natural born swimmer at the best of times so doing a mile open water will be a challenge. But, I like a challenge! I’m raising money for Altzheimer’s which is a cause I feel strongly about - so that’ll be enough to get me through.”
Office to Olympic Stadium
Following the swim the challenges are set to increase. And, in particular - after totting up over 750 miles last year in London as a 2012 Olympic volunteer, Jeff will be swapping his Olympic taxi for running shoes.
He and Mark will be taking part in the National Lottery Anniversary Run at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where they’ll complete a 5 mile course that traverses the Park before reaching a thrilling conclusion on the track inside the Stadium.
Raising money for Riding for the Disabled, Jeff said: “I haven't run more than 100 meters since being at school, so I'm not sure how I'll cope with 5 miles. I've only had 10 weeks to practice. I just hope I'm not the last person to cross the finish line. I volunteer as one of the trainers at Riding For The Disabled near Woodbridge in Suffolk on a Saturday morning, it’s a shame I can't take a horse with me!”
Taking it to the Peak
Other summer challenges include two triathlons (Mark) and a possible three peaks (Liz), however having set his sights high last year and completing an impressive three triathlons, 10k swim, 10 mile run and Great East Swim - this year is an even bigger year for Mark.
In July, he’ll be taking on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris in aid of the East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH), where with his team the Blazing Saddles, he’ll be riding 280 miles from the bustling streets of London, across the rolling English & French countryside into the chaos of Paris.
So far this year, Mark’s already completed a 5k open water swim and has taken part in swimming the channel in less that two hours.
___________________________________________