David Dunn takes on the Rat Race The Wall Ultramarathon

I’m taking on a challenge that feels both exciting and daunting: running the Rat Race The Wall Ultramarathon, a 70-mile route that will push me far beyond anything I’ve ever attempted before. I’ve only ever completed one marathon, so stepping up to an ultramarathon of this scale is going to be incredibly tough, both physically and mentally.

I’ve chosen to raise money for the Rosie Jones Foundation because of its close connection to my school, The Rookeries. We currently have two pupils living with cerebral palsy, and one of them is about to transition to secondary school, a significant and sometimes challenging milestone. It feels like the right moment to support a cause that directly relates to their experiences.

Through conversations, including with foundation trustee, Robery Jones, I’ve become more aware of the challenges teenagers with CP can face, particularly around increased isolation and the impact this can have on mental health. This is something that resonates deeply with me. I’ve experienced struggles with my own mental health in the past, and I understand how difficult that journey can be. Having the right support, a safe space to talk, and access to tools that help you cope can make an enormous difference.

By supporting the Rosie Jones Foundation, I hope to contribute to a future where young people with CP feel less isolated and better supported, especially during key life transitions. Every donation will help provide resources, advocacy, and opportunities for those who need them most. Indeed every £60 raised funds a lived experience led counselling session for a person living with cerebral palsy, by a counsellor with cerebral palsy. My goal is to raise £1,800 to fund 30 counselling sessions. 

This challenge is going to test me in every way, but it feels worthwhile knowing it’s for a cause that truly matters. Thank you for any support you can give.