Tom Bissett's 24-Hour Charity Challenges: Running for a Cause
Episode Overview
Tom Bissett is undertaking two 24-hour charity challenges. The first challenge is a Backyard Ultra, running 4.1 miles every hour for 24 hours. The second challenge is a 24-hour relay up and down Snowdon. Funds raised will support the Lilly Foundation, aiding those with mitochondrial disease. Tom shares personal stories and motivations behind his fundraising efforts.
I can do this for 24 hours because I can suffer for that length of time.
In this heartfelt episode of Henry Weston's Old Mate the Podcast, host Stuart Butler welcomes Tom Bissett, who shares his ambitious plans to tackle two grueling 24-hour charity challenges. Tom is driven by a deep commitment to raising funds for the Lilly Foundation, a charity close to his heart due to its mission to support those affected by mitochondrial disease.
You'll hear about Tom's first challenge, the Backyard Ultra, where participants must run 4.1 miles every hour on the hour for 24 hours, equating to 100 miles in a single day. This is no small feat, and Tom discusses his preparation, including the logistical challenges and the support crew he'll rely on to keep him going through the night.
He also touches on his second challenge—a 24-hour relay up and down Snowdon, adding elevation into the mix and making it even more demanding. The conversation shifts to the personal motivations behind Tom's fundraising efforts. He shares touching stories about Sid and John Marshall, friends whose children suffer from mitochondrial disease. Tom's passion is palpable as he speaks about the importance of raising awareness for this lesser-known but devastating condition.
He also reflects on how meeting inspiring individuals like his father-in-law, who lost both legs in a car bomb explosion but continues to live life with an unyielding positive attitude, has fuelled his drive to push his own limits for a good cause. The episode is both inspiring and informative, shedding light on the physical and emotional challenges of extreme endurance events while highlighting the noble cause that makes it all worthwhile.
Whether you're an avid runner or someone looking for a dose of inspiration, this episode offers a compelling reason to tune in and support Tom's incredible journey.