Epic adventure for Christopher
24 August 2007

A former sprinter is preparing to embark on a gruelling land and sea challenge in aid of Asthma UK and the Depression Alliance.

Christopher Vranek, who has asthma and has also suffered from depression, will run the 63-mile (101km) length of Ceredigion's coastal path before jumping into the sea for a 1.3-mile (2.1km) swim back along the coast.

The challenge will begin in Cardigan at 6:45 am on Saturday 1 September and Christopher hopes to cross the finish line, at the Friendship Inn, Borth, around 12 hours later.

Christopher’s physical, nutritional and psychological condition will be monitored throughout the day by a support team from Aberystwyth University's Sports and Exercise Science Department. He will also have a sports injury and massage specialist on hand to help his body cope with the demands it will face.

‘I have suffered from depression since my teenage years, and from asthma for four years, since moving to Ceredigion,’ said Christopher. ‘As a former national sprinter and international sprint coach I am very aware of how both these conditions affect my life and my ability to enjoy a quality of life other's may take for granted.’

Representatives from Asthma UK and the Depression Alliance will also be there to cheer Christopher on, along with numerous supporters.

Catrin Shorney, Asthma UK Cymru’s Asthma Services Development Officer, said: ‘We are immensely grateful to Christopher for taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for Asthma UK. We wish him every success and will be there to cheer him on throughout the day.’

Click here to find out more about Christopher’s challenge and help his fundraising effort.