Karen takes on Lakeland 100 challenge for WHH Charity

A principal information analyst at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust has raised £400 for WHH Charity after taking on the gruelling Lakeland 100 ultra marathon.

Karen Ross set off on the 105-mile challenge through the Lake District on 24 July, tackling more than 22,000 feet of climbing and facing almost two days of continuous movement through the mountains.

Having completed the Lakeland 50 twice, Karen knew stepping up to the Lakeland 100 would be a significant challenge. The race tested runners' physical and mental endurance, as well as their ability to manage sleep deprivation, strict cut-off times, foot care and fuelling.

Karen reached Howtown, 67 miles into the race and after around 13,000 feet of climbing, before timing out. After struggling with nausea and being unable to eat properly, she made the difficult decision that it was not safe to continue through another night without enough energy.

While Karen was disappointed not to complete the full distance, WHH Charity is incredibly proud of her for taking on such a demanding challenge and grateful for the money she has raised.

Speaking about the challenge, Karen said: “I was so disappointed. I genuinely thought I'd do it. I'd trained for months, prepared well, and tapered properly.

“In the end, it wasn't lack of fitness that caught me out, but my fuelling. On reflection, I'm trying not to see it as a failure but as a learning opportunity. I now understand what went wrong for me and what I need to work on.

“All being well, I'll be back to try again with the knowledge I've gained.”

Karen said fundraising for WHH Charity had been a real positive throughout the challenge.

“I'm also glad I chose to raise funds for charity along the way. That's been a real positive, and it's taken some of the sting out of not finishing this time,” she added.

The £400 raised by Karen will help WHH Charity fund projects, equipment and experiences that make a difference to patients, families and staff across Warrington and Halton Hospitals and the communities we serve.

Thank you to Karen for taking on this incredible challenge and to everyone who sponsored and supported her along the way. We are so grateful for every penny raised.