Mortlake old boy Matt Evans to run Hadrian’s Wall in 3 days in aid of Breast Cancer Now

I don’t think anybody expected 2020 to turn out the way it has. Certainly, running the length of Hadrian’s Wall, covering the West to East coast in Northern England, was one of the unexpected outcomes!

Along with friends from school and Cardiff University, we covered 84 miles in 3 days in October this year which totaled at over a marathon a day with over 1,800 meters of incline. One of the biggest physical challenges I’ve undertaken since playing rugby at Colston’s! 

It has been over a decade since I left Dave Mason’s boarding house at Colston’s and this will be the biggest physical challenge I’ve undertaken since my time at the school. 

On 9th, 10th & 11th October, along with 3 other friends, we will cover the length of Hadrian’s Wall which stretches 84 miles (134km) coast to coast along northern England from Bowness-on-Solway on the west, to Wallsend on the east. We will climb elevations of 1,317m across rolling fields, rugged moorland and the cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. We are very aware that soreness is guaranteed!  

After being taught history by Nick Drew and Dylan Kay during my time at the school, I went on to study Ancient History at Cardiff University which has contributed to the choice of the location of the run. Named after the Roman Emperor who ordered its construction, the wall was completed in 128 AD, and it took three legions, each comprising of 5,000 infantrymen, six years to build. Every Roman mile was marked by a milecastle or minor fort housing a garrison of soldiers. The wall – marking the end of civilization for the Romans – still has an impact on modern popular culture and would become the inspiration for George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones novels. The team of 4 comprises of former Ancient History and Geography graduates from Cardiff and Loughborough universities respectively. 

The main motivation for the run, however, came after the loss of someone close to my family. I think everyone has been aware that the pandemic and the restrictions put in place have had wide-ranging effects, with everyone facing their own mental, physical and economic challenges. Sadly, during this time my godmother, Ali Watkins passed away on 12th June 2020. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, the disease continued to spread for over a decade, but Ali met every challenge with a positive outlook and a brave “never give up” attitude. Remarkably she also dedicated this time to helping others, and over the years she raised thousands of pounds for numerous charities. To continue this spirit, and in her memory, we are raising money for the fantastic cause Breast Cancer Now, a UK charity providing world-class research and life-changing care for people affected by breast cancer. 

Our training began in June, and I have covered almost 700km so far,

Spreading time between Herefordshire’s countryside and south-west London.  As a sports scholar at Colston’s a decade ago, playing rugby and cricket my fitness probably was at its peak, but the last 3 months have differed greatly from the short bursts you have playing wing/ fullback, or a far too frequent short innings opening the batting for the 1st XI! We’ve also had to amend our travelling plans to ensure we follow distancing rules for our visit to the north but are very excited we’ve found a way for it to go ahead. And with the weather forecast looking wet next weekend, our team knows that rain won’t be stopping play!

The run was in aid of the fantastic charity Breast Cancer Now, and so far we’ve raised £9560. Many thanks to the OC Society for their donation.

Donations can still be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oct-hadrianswallrun 

Any contribution, large or small, would be greatly appreciated.

Photos : Matt Evans, Alex Spencer, Alex Foley, Alex Burrill, Marcus Ashcroft,