This month, army veteran, Sally Orange, is doing something incredible!
On 31st January 2023, Sally will take on the World Marathon Challenge – running seven marathons, on seven different continents, in seven days!
Sally is hoping to help break the stigma associated with mental ill health, fundraising for seven charities close to her heart, and will become just the fifth British woman and first female military veteran to undertake this challenge.
We’re hugely proud to be sponsoring Sally as she takes on this remarkable test of endurance.
We spoke to her to learn all about the event, her reasons for running, and the importance of talking about mental health.
Hi Sally, this challenge is like nothing else we’ve ever heard of! Tell us more.
Run by the amazing people at World Marathon Challenge, it’s an endurance event where over 50 of us will run a marathon a day in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
In fact, we’re running the Antarctica and Cape Town marathons within the first 24 hours!
That’s mind-blowing! Those are some incredible locations too.
They really are. I’ve visited many of them before and have friends and family in a number of cities on the route, so I know I’ll have some much-needed support.
I have run a marathon on a different part of Antarctica before, but I’ve never been to Brazil, so I’m excited to see Fortaleza on the sixth leg.
What appealed about this particular challenge?
I have wanted to do it ever since I heard about it five years ago. I will be pushing my mind and body to their absolute limits, but I'm really intrigued to see what I am capable of.
Amazingly, more people have stood on Everest than have completed this challenge. That’s really motivating!
That's really fascinating!
You’ve worked with many charities over the years. Who are your chosen charity partners for this event?
I’m running for seven amazing organisations, including four closely connected to the Armed Forces community:
• SSAFA
• Walking With The Wounded
• Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team
• Scotty’s Little Soldiers
• Ripple Suicide Prevention
• Marathon Kids UK
• The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
If you’d like to support these organisations and sponsor Sally, please head to her JustGiving page here.
You’re well-known for taking on huge challenges and feats of endurance, often dressed as brightly coloured fruit! What inspires you to do them?
By raising money for my seven charities, including those supporting the armed forces community, I know it helps to make a small difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Like anything in life, once we achieve something, big or small, we know we can do it and so we push ourselves further. I also hope it inspires others to believe that if I can do it, they too might just give something difficult a go and realise they are more capable then they ever thought they were.
A friend of mine and Chelsea Pensioner, Nick Clark, is walking 7km every day, throughout January. He’s been an amazing supporter so seeing him tackle his own challenge spurs me on with mine!
Amazing, well done Nick!
Why does mental health and wellbeing sit so close to your heart?
Having had my own difficulties with mental illness over the years, I want to continue to raise awareness of the need to change the stigma associated with mental ill health.
The fact that running is also an excellent way to keep the mind and body healthy will hopefully inspire others to realise that they are capable of more than they think they are.
Your third day is coincidentally the same day as Mind’s campaign, #TimeToTalkDay. How important is talking to improving your mental wellbeing?
It’s huge, and it really does help.
I’ve called the Samaritans in the past when I’ve needed to talk and wanted to know I was being heard.
Sometimes it’s easier to speak to someone you don’t know, without worrying about being a burden to loved ones or feel like you’re being judged.
There’s nothing logical about these thoughts, but neither is mental ill health, and it can occur to anyone struggling.
However, to those people who are in a position to listen to a family-member or friend who’re in need, please do listen.
If you’re worried about what to say or how to respond, remember, you don’t have to. Sometimes letting that person get it all out and off their chest, is all that’s needed to help them start to feel more in control of their own mental health.
This advices applies to anyone connected to the Armed Forces – serving, veterans or family-members. We’ve lived through unique experiences and should never be afraid to ask for a brew if we need support, or offer the same if we’re in a position to listen.
That’s such good advice. Thank you for sharing.
One final question, are you running the 7-7-7 marathons in costume?
Not this time!
A lot of the countries will be extremely hot and humid and so I have to be careful not to overheat or dehydrate. I am also limited in how much I can take and so it would be hard to fit all the costumes in my suitcase.
That doesn't mean I can't wear one in Antarctica though!
Which vegetable do you think is best frozen?!
We debated this as a team and after agreeing peas were too obvious, we settled on spinach!
I’ll get Googling!
Thank you and good luck Sally!
If you can, please sponsor Sally via JustGiving.
