Guernsey Press

Local men to run in the Amazon for Grow charity

TWO local men will take part in an ultra-marathon in the beautiful but brutal running conditions of the Amazon rainforest.

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David Becker, fourth from the left, and Dr Ed Partridge, second from right, with the team from Grow. (26939905)

On 7 June, David Becker and Dr Ed Partridge will run a gruelling 230km jungle ultra marathon to raise money for the Guernsey Rural Occupational Workshop, which provides a safe and secure working environment where people with learning and other disabilities can build their self respect and confidence levels to be able to work and interact within the community.

The Jungle Ultra is one of several ‘beyond the ultimate’ multi-stage foot races that take place in beautiful but brutal environments around the world.

The test of endurance begins at Manu National Park, Peru, and runs through the Andes mountains to the Madre de Dios river.

Split into five stages of jungle, river crossings and mountain valleys, the race will test runners as they endure heavy rain, deep mud and very hot conditions.

David Becker, who works as an audit partner at Deloitte, has previously completed several ultra-distance challenges including the Wye Valley Ultra, Pilgrim Challenge and Hadrian’s Wall.

He said: ‘I really enjoy challenging myself and having something to aim for.

‘The Jungle Ultra is unlike any other race, not only due to the distance involved but also the unique environment.

‘Of course, I am worried about the heat and dangerous wildlife, it’s a really tough race but it’s also a privilege to be able to experience the Amazon rainforest.’

Ed Partridge, a doctor at Guernsey’s Healthcare Group, has also completed numerous ultra-distance events, his most notable being the Marathon des Sables in 2016.

‘The Jungle Ultra is something I have been interested in for a long time,’ he said.

‘I have finally bitten the bullet and it is going to be a fantastic challenge. I have always wanted to visit the Amazon, so sleeping wild in it should be amazing.

‘Aside from the race, I love Grow’s ethos and I have had several patients who have really benefited from their services. It is a privilege to support their ambitious projects in some small way.’

Fundraising efforts and sponsorship throughout the next six months will go towards Grow’s new and ambitious plans to improve existing buildings and greenhouses, a new fully equipped workshop and a hospitality training kitchen that will give workers the experience of handling money, customer service and using household kitchen equipment.

. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jungleultramarathonforgrow.