A SOUTH Wales man who works for the British Antarctic Survey has set himself the ultimate challenge of running seven marathons in seven continents in just seven weeks!
Morgan Thompson, who grew up on a farm outside Merthyr Tydfil, and went to school in Cardiff, is currently training for his huge fundraiser in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance.
The Charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
With just weeks before he kicks off his challenge Morgan has raised an incredible £3,080 of his £4,000 target.
He added: “The amount raised so far has been overwhelming. I’m incredibly grateful for the support. Every single donation motivates me to keep pushing myself, even when I’m training in freezing temperatures and snowstorms down here in Antarctica.
“It’s been a real privilege to represent such a worthwhile charity and to see how generous and encouraging people have been.”
Morgan started training around Christmas time and since then he’s gradually built up his weekly mileage. His longest week so far is 64km and he’s aiming to peak 80km before the first marathon.
During the Antarctic summer, which is October to March, he has been running on the research station’s 900-metre runway – sometimes late into the night once flying operations have finished for the day, and always with lots of laps!
He said: “Luckily, I’ve got the most incredible views to keep me going – icebergs, penguins, whales and seals make for quite the running backdrop. Now that flying has finished and the weather is turning more typically Antarctic, training comes with other challenges: stronger winds, colder temperatures, and much more snow.
“The wind is definitely the toughest element to deal with – all whilst still being on those never-ending runway laps.
“There’s a brilliant running community at the research station, and I often head out with a buddy or group to help the miles fly by. A few people are even thinking of joining me for the marathon itself.
“The support here has been fantastic, not to mention our chefs who keep us all fuelled with amazing food to help burn through the calories.”
The former Aberystwyth student’s journey will begin with a marathon in Rothera in Antarctica. From there, he’ll travel to Patagonia in South America, New York in North America, Casablanca in Africa, Singapore in Asia, and Sydney in Australia, before he finishes his epic challenge at home in Wales. Tenby will be the only official race of the seven that Morgan is taking part in, as it is part of the Long Course Weekend on 29 June.
Morgan, 23, who is currently working his first season with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as a Base General Assistant at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica, said: “The idea started when I thought it would be pretty epic to run my first marathon in Antarctica. From there, I decided to go all in and turn it into something bigger – combining my love of travel, adventure, and pushing myself with raising money for a cause close to my heart.
“It’s been an incredible experience working down here, and I couldn’t take on this challenge without all the support from BAS.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Reflecting on why he wanted to support the lifesaving Charity, Morgan said: “Wales Air Ambulance is absolutely vital. Growing up, I’d often see the helicopters flying overhead and be in awe.
“Over the years, friends and family have needed their services, and I’ve seen firsthand just how crucial it is to be able to reach remote parts of Wales. It’s a charity that serves the whole country and saves lives.
“That makes Wales Air Ambulance a charity I’m proud to represent.”
Christian Sullivan, Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south Wales, said: “Morgan has set himself the ultimate challenge of completing seven marathons in seven continents in just seven weeks all in aid of our lifesaving Charity, which we’re extremely grateful of.
“It’s a challenge that most people wouldn’t think of doing and would shy away from, but Morgan is determined to complete his fundraiser, whilst raising much-needed funds for the Wales Air Ambulance.
“He’s already close to his fundraising target, which is incredible. Thank you to everyone who is supporting Morgan, and from everyone at Wales Air Ambulance, we’d like to wish Morgan all the best on his epic challenge.
You can follow Morgan’s weekly updates via his Instagram page @run.ginge.
