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A car towed for a marathon distance by a fundraising local adrenaline junkie is up for grabs.
Macmillan Jersey is inviting islanders keen to replicate ultra-runner Pete Wright's recent Herculean challenge or those simply keen to get their hands on a new ride to enter their fundraising raffle to win the VW.
Pete completed the towing challenge last month, dragging the car via a harness for a total of 26 miles along the Five Mile Road (La Grande Route des Mielles).
The feat, which took just over 13 hours, was one of 12 endurance challenges Pete has undertaken over the last couple of years in support of Macmillan Jersey, raising nearly £6,500 in the process.
Video: Pete completed his challenge in just over 13 hours on 16 November.
Pete committed to the 12 challenges last year, after a close family member was diagnosed with cancer. “I’m truly thankful that there are organisations like Macmillan Jersey that are there to offer support to people in Jersey with any type of cancer and at any stage,” he told Express earlier this year.
“A cancer diagnosis can have unexpected and significant impacts on anyone impacted, and the selfless support services that Macmillan Jersey provide make a positive difference that is very difficult to measure. Macmillan Jersey are reaching out and improving the wellbeing of everyone affected by cancer.
“They receive no funding from the States of Jersey, and fundraising is so very key to the continuation of their invaluable service. This is why I am passionate about fundraising for them.”
Pictured: Peter undertook the challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Jersey.
After running 230km in Swedish Lapland in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees; rowing the equivalent of the distance between Jersey and Sark and back; running 140miles from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in under 38 hours and riding a bike around FB Fields for 24 hours, covering over 250 miles, Pete wanted to try something different with his latest challenge.
He had to “ramp up” his training, which involved strength and conditioning training with his coach Dan Garrido, “sound advice” from his physio, Lisa Mann of the Jersey Sports and Spinal Clinic and nutritional advice from Kit Chamier to put a few kilos on.
As the challenge drew closer, Peter admitted feeling very nervous, having only practised pulling an actual car for 20 minutes in the build-up.
Pictured: Pete training with the help of his daughter.
“It’s very common to doubt yourself in the lead up to any sort of challenge, but the key is to believe in the target to have set yourself, train as hard as you can, allow time for rest/recovery and just get yourself to the start line,” he explained.
“I really try not to overthink any challenge, particularly the larger ones, and tend to divide them up into small segments.
"Then, it’s just a case of ticking each segment off gradually, even if there are lots of them to tick off.”
Pictured: Pete walked out and back along one of the flatter sections of the 5-mile road.
The challenge began at 06:00 on 16 November. For just over 13 hours, Pete walked out and back along one of the flatter sections of the 'Five Mile Road' between Le Braye and Jersey Pearl, to cover 26.2 miles, towing a car weighing just over a tonne.
“I can safely say I felt every step of the challenge,” Pete confessed. “It was tougher than I could ever have imagined. I thought at the beginning (when I was fresh) it would be OK. I imagined fatigue would set in far later. However, it was extremely tough from the beginning with the surface and gradient of the road very changeable.
“I thought the 5-mile road was flat. Well it certainly looks like it, but it was hard to establish a consistent rhythm. It often it felt like I was moving uphill.”
Pictured: Pete's friends supported him all throughout the challenge.
Throughout the challenge, Pete relied on the support of his friends, who relayed each other to be by his side, directing traffic, shaking and offering words of encouragement. “It really took the pressure off me on the day and made the challenge far more manageable,” he said.
“The support, generosity and goodwill from the public was phenomenal throughout the day and into the evening. It certainly lifted my spirits in the tougher moments.”
Pete explained his “sole inspiration for digging in when I needed to” was thinking of a loved one, who had an operation in respect of their cancer a week before the challenge.
“I continually told myself I would never do this again,” he added. “After running events I usually come around and decide 'one more'. With this, however, I would not contemplate repeating it.”
With the challenge now behind him, Pete is hoping to collect yet a few more donations for Macmillan Jersey. He is encouraging islanders to buy raffle tickets for which the very car he towed will be the top prize.
The tickets, priced at £10, are available from The Lounge Charity Book Café and all proceeds will go to Macmillan Jersey.
Pictured: One lucky winner will get to drive the car Pete towed home.
“I'm really hoping we can sell all of the 2,500 tickets and raise as much as possible for Macmillan,” Pete said. “Jackson's kindly sold the brand-new VW Up at a discount on retail price, and DGR Slatter contributed a significant amount of personal funds to help purchase this car.
“I cannot emphasise how thankful I am to Derek and Nichola for their generosity in supporting Macmillan, and providing the car for the towing challenge.
“The draw takes place on Saturday 14 December, so there is still plenty of time to purchase a ticket and support this wonderful charity.”
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