Next month, local man Adam Thomas Warburton is setting off again on his March Around Initiative.
Adam first devised the March Around Initiative in 2023 as a personal challenge, to boost his mental health by getting outside and active during the winter months. Last year he completed it with friends and family and this year he is doubling the distance to raise funds for Philip’s Footprints.
Adam explained: “The March Around Initiative is a personal fundraising effort that I have undertaken annually since 2023. While it is not a public event or registered charity, I am proud to operate it as a nonprofit organisation to raise awareness and funds for local charities.
“This year, my goal is to complete two full laps around the island. Each lap is made up of 6 zones, covering all zones twice is approximately 120 miles – a significant running challenge for me. The planned routes will avoid cliff paths and coastlines to prioritise safety and create more accessible courses.”
A challenge with a difference, islanders following Adam’s progress on his Instagram page @marcharoundinitiativecijsy are able to get involved voting for which Lap One zones to run on which days, plus which one-off double zone he should do. Lap two features a ‘fancy dress’ zone allowing voters to suggest something Adam would never wear, which is sure to be popular!
Having recently welcomed the birth of son Arlo, Adam was inspired to support Philip’s Footprints who had provided a pregnancy wallet as part of the charity’s Safer Pregnancy Projects. The wallets are a robust plastic zip-lock pouch to keep antenatal notes in. Colourfully printed with important advice regarding mum’s health, and that of the baby, it ensures that key messages such as monitoring babies’ movements and awareness of problematic symptoms become second nature. These safer pregnancy messages are reinforced by the midwives and in 2024, over 750 wallets were donated to the Antenatal Clinic.
“My wife and I personally benefited from the invaluable guidance provided by Philip’s Footprints on safer pregnancy, and we strongly believe it serves as an essential source of support and information for islanders.
“Thank you to Jo and all involved with Philip’s Footprints who have been so incredibly supportive in lifting the profile of the initiative and of course, the immense work and effort that goes in to making their charity such an invaluable cause.”
Jo Nash, Founder of Philip’s Footprints said: “We’re absolutely delighted to hear of the safe arrival of baby Arlo and that Adam has chosen to support Philip’s Footprints for his March Around Initiative. We’re really looking forwards to seeing his progress throughout the month and funds raised will help the charity continue to support parents in part through it’s Safer Pregnancy Projects by funding pregnancy wallets, antenatal wireless monitors and training.”
Pictured and photo credit: Adam Thomas Warburton
