In reality I think it was quite naive of me to think that I could do this alone and actually one of the first things my mum said to me, right at the beginning was “you need a team behind the team”. Of course she was right (insert eye rolling emoji).

The team has grown exponentially over the year and it consists of, not only of the people who have directly supported me on each challenge, but also those that have indirectly supported me; by sharing my journey, vouching for me or by generally sending messages of support; that’s the shit that keeps me going.

And of course the sponsors! This would all feel pretty meaningless without you. Rouute Technologies, Resurgent Fitness, Ridge, Drone Major, Moyralla Marketing (thanks sis) and Performance Hackers – thank you!

Without all of that support this would have been much, MUCH harder. In fact, I’m certain it would’ve been impossible to complete. What is most incredible is that many of these people have supported me without question, without me even asking, and without any requirement for me to pay them back (obviously I will forever be in their debt – and quite happily).

One thing I have had to work hard on is not feeling guilty for receiving this help. This was really difficult at first, especially as a true English woman (we don’t like to impose). I had to put myself in their shoes to realise that I would do the same; that I would love the chance to help a friend achieve their goal.

Without a doubt this thinking can be applied in life. Life is much more difficult if you always try to go it alone. When you have people behind you encouraging you and cheering you on, it is so much more enjoyable. Likewise, life is much more fulfilling when you take a genuine interest in other people’s lives, and even more so if you invest in their dreams. So, if you haven’t already, look for ways to really support your friends.

I will never be able to thank people enough for the energy and the support they’ve put in to my efforts so far this year. But of course, I will try! Just to name a few right now: my parents (obviously); my dad for driving us to the airport at ridiculous hours, my mum for buying food, running around in the car and just generally getting involved with every single challenge. Then there are the people who have been specific to each challenge: Euan who asked/forced me to stay with him in Edinburgh after LEJOG and provided a brutal sports massage (in fact to everyone that put me up for the night on LEJOG; a hot shower and a warm meal made all the difference). The DW support crew (there are not enough words for these guys), Naomi who has been one of my biggest supporters; joining me on Kilimanjaro and meeting me at the end of the desert ultramarathon. To James and his family who picked me up at the end of the coast to coast run, and to my London crew who provided a last minute emergency SUP safety for my swim (Hammerton you ledge) and a tonne of virtual love. There are many others and I will be sure to thank them all publicly before the end.

All of these people offered to help me without question; either they came to me of their own accord or they were immediately receptive to my request for support. I realise how very lucky I am to have so many good people in my life and in my network.

In short, it would be entirely remiss of me to suggest that this is still a solo challenge, because that is simply not true.

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