Royal Navy head of sport running 100 miles in 36 hours around Fareham's streets for NHS and Royal Navy charities
TWO of the hottest days of lockdown have seen a Fareham serviceman tackling 100 miles of charity running in the hope of inspiring others to exercise.
Rowan Taylor, head of sport for the Royal Navy, has taken on a huge challenge over 36 hours to raise money for the NHS and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
The dedicated athlete is running 100 miles around his hometown of Fareham, raising more than his target of £1,000 for his causes.
Rowan, 36, encouraged people to get involved by running, walking or cycling and donating £1 per mile or more.
Rowan, who is based at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, said: ‘As the head of sport for the Royal Navy, I’m in charge of keeping them fit, active and healthy.
‘The idea was that people would be following what I am doing and then go off and do some exercise.
‘I am delighted and can’t believe how well it has gone. I set a high target of £1,000 but I never expected to reach it.’
Members of Rowan’s running club, Fareham Crusaders, have been joining him for a few miles at a time to encourage him along the way - which has given him a huge boost.
‘Their support has been phenomenal, I’ve hardly been alone,’ Rowan told The News roughly 80 miles into his challenge.
‘They have been with me all the way through, as well as my team who work for me in navy sport.
‘It’s really hard going. I struggled through the night quite a lot - it’s definitely important having people come out to help.’
His wife Sarah and children, Holly, four, and 11-month-old Sophia, have been cheering him on throughout.
Holly is set to present him with a medal when he finishes at 8pm this evening to coincide with the Clap for Carers.
Sarah, senior sports development officer at the University of Portsmouth, said: ‘I’m very proud of him and think it’s an amazing achievement. He has done really well and that is keeping him going, knowing that he can raise some money for two fantastic causes.’
To donate to Rowan’s chosen causes, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/100mileCOVIDchallenge.