West Highland Way in a Day #2

On 30 Sept 2022, Andrew Lewis raised over £3k for Help - Jim’s Story by attempting to run the 96 mile West Highland Way in a day. Having run out of time, he had to withdraw after 70 miles. Andrew had to delay by 24 hrs to let a storm blow through, but was still significantly impeded by torrents of water in the highlands following the previous amber-warning deluge.

While the day was became a bit of a blur in Andrew’s recollection, he found the year of training preceding it helped deal with some difficult life events. The physical and mental training benefits are obvious, but Andrew also learned new things about endurance events. He made connections through training, he ‘gave’ by raising money for our charity and really took notice of the things around him, especially out running in the beautiful Scottish countryside. In fact, all of the '5 ways to wellbeing' promoted on the charity’s website.

Not completing it has been playing on Andrew’s mind ever since, so he’s decided to have another attempt at it next year and has already started the training. Andrew said “Not completing the West Highland Way in a Day was like an itch I couldn’t quite scratch. I really enjoyed the preparation and training - the mindset needed to take on such a challenge and I know I can do it. During a holiday in Devon this year, I was sitting on the reflecting bench installed by the charity at BRNC Dartmouth. With such a wonderful view of the Dart, sitting there reconnected me to the charity and the run - so I thought I would give it another go.”

Andrew’s training in now well underway and he plans to attempt the run in May 2025. We will update on his progress through the training. Good Luck Andrew and thank you so much for working with us to raise awareness.