Words by Smiley Team
South-end-on Sea personal trainer and coach Daniel Dublin has gone to extreme lengths fundraising for children with complex or incurable conditions. Over the last few years, he has skydived, walked on fire and run in the London Marathon. This spring he will elevate his efforts, taking on the Mount Everest Marathon and a multi trial marathon in Slovenia, all for his local charity, Little Havens Hospice.
“I chose to support Little Haven’s Hospice because I wanted to make a real difference and to make every moment truly count,” he explained.
So far having fundraised over £1,200 for the charity, Daniel will be travelling to Nepal this May where he will participate in the 60KM ultramarathon from Everest Base Camp, over 5,300 metres above sea level, to Namche Bazar.
“Realising this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, I upgraded to take part in the 60KM ultra marathon version,” he said.
Following that he will travel to Slovenia in June for the Ultra X World Championships, a 5-day multi-stage ultramarathon along a course that’s 10,189 metres above sea level.
“The course is located in western Slovenia, nestled between the towering Julian Alps to the north and the Adriatic coast to the south,” he said. “Runners travel north from the vine-laden landscapes and high plateaus of Vipava Valley, to the emerald green waters and rocky mountain trails of Soca Valley and the southern Julian Alps.”
To prepare he will train at the London 2012 Olympic mountain bike course in Hadleigh, Essex near to his home in Southend.
Will he Everest for charity?
Having started out fundraising in 2015, Daniel ran in his local half-marathon, organised by Havens Hospice. He went on to skydive and walk on fire, treading across hot coals in bare feet for the charity.
“Firewalking was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life,” he recalled. “Not only did it open my eyes to overcome the self-doubt and fear I carried for so many years, but the incredible power that came from doing something I once thought was impossible changed my life forever. The fire walk begins and ends in the mind.”
For those considering taking on a challenge for charity, Daniel advised: “Before diving into the deep end, you need to know what you are aiming to achieve. Look to put together a strategy and set goals that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-Bound).
“Use social media effectively as different platforms have different audiences. Be transparent and keep donors updated. Honesty and communication help to build relationships, and increase engagement over the long-term. Also, one should always thank donors for their support. Without their kindness, none of this is possible.”
To support Daniel and the children he is fundraising for, visit his fundraiser.
