As a local engraver, Graham Taylor is used to being surrounded by cups and trophies, but this weekend he will be aiming to win his own ‘prize’ of raising £1,000 for charity.
The Tonbridge athlete is setting out on an epic, 69-mile ultra running and walking challenge known as The Wall in aid of Hospice in the Weald.
The competition is staged between Carlisle Castle and Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge and challenges entrants to complete the distance within 24 hours.
Mr Taylor, who has previously represented East Grinstead Athletics Club in the 400m and pole vault, said:
“I’ve done lots of sports over the years and I have done the London Marathon several times, but this is well over twice that distance!
“I turn 65 this year and wanted to try this while I’m still able to and do it for a worthy cause such as the Hospice in the Weald.”
Graham, who runs his business Graham Taylor Engravers in Northwood Road, Tonbridge, explained that there are several stopping points along the gruelling route, which follows some of the Roman-built Hadrian’s Wall, and this will offer some brief respite.
But in order to complete the distance, entrants who set off at 7am have to maintain a steady pace right through the night.
To donate to Graham’s challenge, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/grahamtaylor1
