A FATHER and five of his friends are embarking on a huge 50-mile trek in 24 hours to raise money for a children’s hospice.
On Saturday 30 April, Robert Kaczmarczyk, 51, from Worthing, will be taking on 50 miles of the South Downs Way to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
He will be joined by five friends, Nick Holland, Martin Gaspard, Paul Macey, Chris Quigley, and Alex Downey.
Giving themselves just 24 hours to complete the challenge, the group will be setting off from the Brooksteed Alehouse in Worthing at 4pm, where they will trek up to Cissbury Ring and follow the South Downs Way until they finish their trek in Eastbourne.
Robert said: “The most difficult part of the challenge will definitely be the sleep deprivation and walking in the dark.
“We’ve been doing most of our training treks in the dark to prepare ourselves, so it will make a change to walk in the daylight.”
In their training, the group are averaging three miles per hour and over all are hoping to complete their trek in around 18 hours.
He added: “The longest training walks we do are 20 miles, so I’m sure our pace will be tested the closer we get to the 50-mile mark.”
The idea came when Robert, Paul and Nick were talking following a marathon walk Robert undertook last year.
They wanted to do something together but push the goalposts further.
Robert said: “I’ve always wanted to fundraise for Chestnut Tree House, and I thought taking on this challenge would be a perfect opportunity.
“I have two kids, and Chestnut Tree House really resonates with me.
“What the hospice does to support local families is just amazing, I can’t think of a more worthy cause.”
Chestnut Tree House cares for children with life-shortening conditions and their families in Sussex and South East Hampshire.
The hospice currently cares for around 300 children and young adults and provides services including hydrotherapy and multi-sensory activities.
With more than £10,000 daily running costs, it relies on public donations and events
To support Robert and his mates on their 24-hour trek, please visit www.gofundme.com/50-miles-of-the-south-downs-way
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