A VOLUNTEER counsellor is taking on a gruelling ultra-marathon style race which will see him run through the day and night in a bid to raise money and awareness for Childline.
Dan O’Keefe, from Dinas Powys in the Vale of Glamorgan, is running The Medieval Backyard Ultra to raise funds for the NSPCC-run children’s counselling service, where he is a regular volunteer at its Cardiff base.
The race, a twist on the traditional ultra marathon, challenges competitors to run a 4.167-mile loop around Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in Penarth every hour, on the hour.
It starts at 10am on Saturday, April 5 and continues until there is only one runner left on the course.
Dan – who has previously completed the Ironman Wales triathlon and a 68-mile run in just under 18 hours – said he will try to keep going for as long as possible, and hopes to be running into the daylight on Sunday.
He said: “Childline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year and so as I run my laps I will know that at all times there will be children using the service.
“All being well, my race will see me running through the night and into the next day.
“Through the dark hours in Cosmeston Country Park, I will be thinking of the young people also awake, unable to sleep for very different reasons who are being supported by Childline volunteers.
“On average, a child contacts Childline every 45 seconds. Childline is a vital support for so many young people but it relies on donations and volunteers to continue.
“My ambition for the race is simple. To keep going when things get tough and see what happens.
“I am fortunate in knowing that ultimately my race will end. If it gets too hard then I can stop and go home, knowing I will be safe and supported. Not everyone has that choice.”
Training for the race has involved running up to three times a day over shorter distances, to prepare for the stop-start nature of the event.
Dan will also be supported by two of his brothers, one who will be starting the race with him and another who will be helping him in the camp at the end of each lap.
The dad-of-two has been volunteering with Childline – the children’s free and confidential counselling service run by the NSPCC – for the past three years, alongside training and a full-time job.
He added: “I’ve been able to see how important the service is to children and young people and the difference it makes.
“We see contacts from young people who often have not got anyone else to speak to and I think that is what keeps me going back every fortnight for my shift.
“I find it very rewarding being there for children and young people when they really do need someone to turn to.
“The demand for the service is very high and we are appealing for volunteers to join us at our two bases in Wales in Cardiff and Prestatyn at the moment.”
Debbie Williams, Childline Team Manager based in Cardiff, said: “Dan is a dedicated volunteer counsellor and it is incredibly inspiring to see him take on this challenging race to raise money for Childline.
“The money raised by people fundraising for us helps support our service and ensure that we can continue to be there for all children and young people who need our help.
“We wish Dan the very best on his challenge and are hugely grateful for his support.”
To support Dan and to donate, visit Daniel O’Keefe is fundraising for ChildLine
To find out more about volunteering, visit NSPCC Volunteering | Volunteer for Childline.
Children and young people can contact Childline about any worries by calling 0800 1111 or visiting the site. Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via [email protected].
