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
Both Jamie and Barbs will tackle this 57 km race, featuring an elevation gain of 2,199 metres, traversing challenging terrain in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, including the full ascent of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
But it’s important to say, Barbs hasn’t just been along for the ride. She’s been there every step of the way, joining Jamie on every training run and slog and behind them both has been Mark, providing logistical support and helping make these mammoth events happen.
And because they’re clearly not busy enough(!), once the Xterra Ultra is done, Jamie and Barbs also plan to join Mark, Martin, and Debbie for a cheeky run up Snowdon and back via the Black Diamond route, just for a giggle.
Ring O’ Fire Ultra Marathon
And just when you think they’d earned a rest… they’re not done.
Jamie and Barbs are now preparing for the Ring of Fire in August – a 135-mile ultramarathon around the rugged Anglesey Coastal Path.
New for this year, the race has evolved into a nonstop endurance format, meaning runners can now tackle the full distance in one go (rather than over three days). The updated format, combined with the brutal terrain and sheer distance, makes Ring O’ Fire one of the most demanding ultra marathons in the British Isles.
The terrain is tough, the distance relentless, and the weather famously unpredictable. Runners climb over 13,000 feet in elevation (that’s more than Ben Nevis three times over) while navigating rocky paths, clifftops, and moody sea spray.
Physically, this kind of ultra-endurance puts your body into survival mode. Muscles break down, glycogen stores vanish, and your brain starts negotiating with your body to just…. keep…. moving. But this is where the magic happens, and it’s where Jamie and Barbs shine.
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.
Through his London Marathon fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Jamie raised an incredible £5,109 including Gift Aid. Next, Jamie and Barbs will be raising funds for Bowel Cancer UK, a charity incredibly close to their hearts following the loss of Jamie’s father to the disease.
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. Because if there’s one thing Jamie and Barbs have shown us, it’s that we’re all capable of more than we think, especially when it’s for a good cause.