30in30 – it’s done!
A marathon successfully completed is a feat of achievement for most, but for our very own Danny Watson that was certainly not enough as he ran a mighty 30 – one after the other, in just 30 days.
Just why did our Director of Sailing and twice round-the-world sailor take on his 30in30 challenge?
He wanted to raise as much money as possible for our Full Families programmes, which are running in Grimsby and Hull, which he says are especially important in these times of continued uncertainty.
Danny, in his own words, says: “The ability for CatZero to help people on both sides of the Humber effect lasting personal change has been proven since our launch 11 years ago with hundreds of people of all ages and abilities assisted back into long-term employment or training. Such support will be needed more than ever in the coming months and years as people face uncertain times in many areas of their lives. There has never been a better time to raise awareness of how our charity is able to offer that support.”
Did you know? Whenever CatZero wins grant funding it needs to match that funding with its own monies raised – if it can’t the money is lost, and the vital transformational change programmes are unable to go ahead. That is why Danny is embarking on this challenge. 30in30 will also highlight the fantastic work of CatZero on a national level. That is why the 30in30 sponsorship is so important and we thank you all. For more on Full Families and all our programmes click here.
So, where did he run to and from?
Danny left Brighton Pier on Wednesday September 23rd and ran a marathon (26.2) miles every day until Thursday October 22nd when he completed his epic achievement in CatZero’s home city of Hull.
Keeping up the pace of at least 26.2-miles every day, he ran a total of more than 800-miles. (the videos above give you a day-to-day account of his journey).
Danny had hoped to take his route all the way up to John O’Groats but due to changing restrictions as a result of the coronavirus in the North East and Scotland, the safety of Danny and his crew came first.
So the team headed east from Northallerton instead of north, towards Whitby, heading south again. He then completed a full Greater Lincolnshire Loop – edging right around the county to almost Peterborough where he looped back up again along the coastline, through North East Lincolnshire, over the Bridge to finish in Hull on Thursday October 22nd with his 30 marathons and 800 miles completed.
How did Danny prepare for this mega run?
The 30in30 experience was a grand finale to seven consecutive years of personal challenges undertaken by Danny and other CatZero supporters. In total more than £80,000 has been raised in that time. This run is expected to add more than £50,000 to that!
It is hard to believe, but Danny has not always been a fitness fanatic, in fact he couldn’t run a mile eight years ago when he was warned he was on the verge of obesity. That kick-started his weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Following his father’s death in 2013, Danny and his sister, Nicola, decided to run a marathon together in his memory and that began the seven-year challenge. I used to be three-stone heavier and actually it was my dad and sister Nicola who were the runners. When you are taking on these challenges, or any form of endurance exercise, it is all about attitude. I now see it as a privilege to be able to train and undertake these adventures.”
He adds: “Working with vulnerable families has affected me personally especially as I now have a family. I have used the principles we have developed in CatZero in changing my own life. I am passionate about the work we do with children, young people, and their families – creating lasting change.”
Postponed from the spring due to the lockdown, Danny has been training daily over many months with a pre-planned programme of short and long-distancing runs.
Who has made this happen?
It goes without saying that, without Danny this would not have happened. However, nor would it have gone ahead without our headline sponsors and other key sponsors. We want to thank you all:
Linbrooke Services Ltd
The executive chairman Lee says:
“We at Linbrooke are honoured and proud to provide support and assistance to Danny Watson and all the team at CatZero. We have worked with many charities over the years, and very few are more deserving of our support than CatZero. They work tirelessly and selflessly all year round to provide unique and well-needed help and guidance to people less fortunate than ourselves. It isn’t easy to choose a charity, there are so many good causes out there, but having spent time with the team at CatZero, I believe the support they provide and the outcomes they achieve exceed all expectations. The team at Linbrooke are very proud to play a small part in Danny’s quest to raise money for vulnerable families who need CatZero’s help now more than ever before.”
Key sponsors also on board are:
Follow his progress and find out how you can help at www.catzero.org or on Instagram, @dannywatsoncatzero.
