This year, Robin Mapleston and his son will be completing the challenge of climbing the UK’s tallest mountains (Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon) within a week, as part of St Barnabas Hospice’s ‘Don’t Quit, Get Fit’ campaign. This follows on from a swimming challenge that Robin took part in last year where he swam 21 miles (the distance of the English Channel) in 21 days!
Robin said, “I very badly tore all my ankle ligaments in September 2020 and wanted a challenge to keep me active whilst I recovered. Swimming has always been a big part of my fitness routine but to challenge myself to swim further than I had done before over a short period of time was the perfect test. Raising more than £1,000 for St Barnabas (including Gift Aid) was an amazing way to stay focussed! Now I have this under my belt, I feel more confident my ankle will be ok to take on the mountains.”
£1,000 is an incredible amount of money and would fund 28 physiotherapy or occupational therapy sessions to help patients maintain their independence.
Robin added, “I started supporting St Barnabas Hospice after my mum was diagnosed with cancer. My son and I wanted to do something to raise money for a charity close to her heart, and she asked us to choose St Barnabas. Mum had a number of friends who were cared for by the Hospice, so it brings it close to home for us.
“Having the St Barnabas Fundraising team there to support me through my challenges has been invaluable. Whether it is a formal piece of support or simply a “well done,” it means the world when you’re in the middle of a challenge.
“I think that keeping fit and healthy is inspiration in itself. Once you break through the wall that inevitably hits everyone that takes on a challenge, you find a feeling of being alive and happy. Exercise has been so helpful for me during the pandemic. More so for children, where I run Zoom fitness sessions for my under 13’s rugby team to keep them exercising whilst schools and sports groups are closed.”
Don’t Quit, Get Fit is completely free to sign up to. Those who create a fundraising page on JustGiving as part of their challenge will also receive a free St Barnabas water bottle.
Make a positive change in your life today, just like Robin, and sign up at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/dontquit