JASON'S HALFWAY THERE!

Jason Nettle, director of Winchester Garden Machinery, is this year undertaking the challenge of 12 marathons in 12 months for good causes. Here he tells us how he's preparing for a very special Father's Day this weekend!

Hi everyone,

Fresh (or perhaps, not so fresh!) from conquering the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, my focus now shifts to the next monumental task: the 2025 Hampshire Hoppit Marathon! This one comes with a solid 650m of elevation gain, promising another challenging day out on the trails.

What makes this marathon particularly significant is that it takes place this Sunday, June 15th - Father's Day! It's a slightly unconventional way to celebrate, but a memorable one for sure. This marathon also marks the halfway point of this epic, year-long challenge. Can you believe it? Six marathons down, six more to go! It's a surreal feeling, especially when I look back at how this time last year I struggled with just 5k.

I'm incredibly pleased to announce that this month's marathon has been kindly supported by ISEKI UK & Ireland. David Withers reached out to me some time ago and expressed his willingness to support me on this challenge, and I'm very grateful for their generous donation to the causes.

I'll admit, there are moments, especially after a brutal run like the Jurassic Coast, when I seriously question why I challenged myself to this crazy, possibly stupid, undertaking. The pain is real, the training is relentless (when I can fit it in!), and the demands on my time are immense.

However, then I look at the good causes we're supporting – Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Naomi House Children’s Hospice and St. Michael's Hospice – and I see the fundraising total gradually ticking upwards. That's when all the pain and exhaustion become incredibly worthwhile.

Mentally, I have to constantly remind myself that my pain is self-inflicted and, crucially, short-lived. I was talking to a group of people recently about this very point. My discomfort, while intense at the time, will ease over the coming days and weeks. This is a stark contrast to so many individuals who are suffering through treatments, battling illness, or facing immense mental health struggles on a daily basis. For them, there's no "finish line" in a few hours or days. It's an ongoing fight. Just as I break down each marathon into achievable steps – getting to the next marker, making it up the next hill - many people facing mental health battles have to do the same, just taking one step at a time, one day at a time. It’s a powerful reminder of perspective.

So, as I gear up for the Hampshire Hoppit this Sunday, my determination is unwavering. It's not just about running; it's about pushing boundaries, raising awareness for vital health issues, and contributing to causes that make a real difference to people's lives.

How can you help?

• Sponsor me: Please continue your incredible support by donating to my fundraising page. Every penny truly counts and directly impacts these amazing charities.
• Cheer me on: Your messages and encouragement are a powerful motivator. Send me your virtual high-fives as I hit the halfway mark!
• Get inspired: Consider how you might tackle your own personal challenges, whether physical or mental, by taking them one step at a time. And please, prioritise your health and well-being.

Stay tuned for the update after the Hampshire Hoppit - hopefully, it will be another successful one!