Local endurance athlete, Drew Jonkmans has completed his toughest challenge to date last Friday and now he’s calling on the community to help him hit his £100,000 fundraising target.
As part of Project Endure, the local 26-year-old cycled and ran 2,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back over 33 days all to raise vital funds and awareness for two mental health charities.
Bigmoose, provides free, immediate mental-health counselling to those in need, and the BecomingX Foundation helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds realise their potential.
“Four years ago, I had no hope for my future. Through support, discovering ultra-running and realising that nobody sets our limits but ourselves, I managed to turn things around,” Drew said.
“This project is my way of showing that true strength can come from deep places of struggle and that there is always hope, no matter your situation.”
Drew initially planned to run the entire first half of the challenge and cycle back; however, a tendon injury on the third day while crossing Dartmoor forced him onto the bicycle sooner than expected.
He also endured 50 mph winds during Storm Amy, freezing rain and unrelenting fatigue on the thousand-mile journey homeward, where family and friends greeted him on the finish line.
Drew added: “Standing at the halfway point at John O’Groats was one of those moments where I looked back and saw how far I’d come – not just on the road, but from the lowest point in my life.
“I hope this challenge inspires others to know they are resilient and they can overcome dark times to find strength and hope. Thank you to everyone who has supported me. Please donate to these great charities and together we can make a positive difference to others.”
A documentary of the 2,000-mile challenge is in post-production and funds are still being raised to reach the £100,000 goal.
The bigmoose team said: “We’re so proud and grateful for everything Drew has achieved through his challenge. It’s been so incredible to watch his strength, perseverance and drive to help others over the course of the past few weeks.
“The money he’s raised will mean more people getting therapy when they need it most, more lives saved, and more hope for the future. Thank you, Drew, for making such an incredible difference.”
Main picture: Drew at Land’s End
