Going The Distance
Going the Distance: Jamie & Barbs’ Year of Endurance for Charity
If you’ve been following along this year, you’ll know that Jamie, owner of Anglesey Holiday Lettings, hasn’t just been leading a growing business, he and Barbs, our Guest Services Manager (and lifelong friend), have also been taking on some of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, all in support of causes close to their hearts.
From pounding the streets of London to scaling mountains and braving the wild Anglesey coastline, this AHL duo’s year is shaping up to be a masterclass in resilience, determination, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of madness. But always with heart.
The London Marathon – Completed
Jamie kicked off his challenge season with the London Marathon, a huge physical and mental milestone. Running 26.2 miles isn’t just about stamina; your body shrinks by up to 2cm during the marathon due to spinal compression. You sweat out litres of water, burn through around 2,600–3,200 calories, and put your legs through a pounding equal to 105 times your body weight. And yet… he crossed the finish line, tired but triumphant, with a pint in his hand?!
Three Peaks Challenge – Completed
Jamie and Barbs, with their ever-patient wingman Mark Scott, smashed the Three Peaks Challenge at the end of May, climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis in under 24 hours in support of Bowel Cancer UK. From a misty Welsh start to a sunrise summit in Scotland, they covered over 26 miles, scaled more than 3,000 metres, and still finished smiling. An incredible achievement and one step closer in their year of fundraising challenges.
XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Ultra Marathon – Completed
Jamie and Barbara took on the Xterra Snowdon Ultra this summer, battling extreme heat of over 30 degrees before the event was called off at the marathon distance for safety reasons. Despite not being able to complete the full course, they showed huge determination in brutal conditions and raised almost £2,350 for Bowel Cancer UK.
Barbara’s achievement is especially inspiring, from once swearing she’d never run further than a trip around Tesco, to now tackling mountain ultras with real grit.
Next up for the pair was the Ring O’ Fire, a 135km challenge around the Anglesey coast.
Ring O’ Fire Ultra Marathon – Completed
Jamie and Barbara took on the gruelling Ring o’ Fire Ultra Coastal Marathon, 135 miles around Anglesey. Despite battling injuries, diversions and sleepless nights, they pushed far beyond expectations, though this time the finish line wasn’t to be.
Most importantly, their efforts have already raised over £3,500 for Bowel Cancer UK and they’ve even signed up to do it all again next year!!
Why Are They Doing It?
Every challenge taken on this year is for a cause close to their hearts, and it’s been amazing to see the support pour in from our guests, owners, local businesses, and the wider AHL team.
We’re really proud of the charity work our team takes on each year, and with your support we’ve already raised nearly £60,000, something we’re hugely grateful for.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be even bigger. Jamie & Barbs will be running the London Marathon for Mencap UK, and more of the AHL team are stepping forward with their own challenges too, from Relay for Life for Cancer Research to hikes, swims and runs for causes that matter to them. We’re here to support them all, for great causes and important memories.
We wanted to say thank you to every single one of you who’s donated, shared, or cheered them on. It means the world, and powers every step.
Keep an eye on our social channels, donate if you can, and maybe even lace up your own shoes..