Health and wellbeing professor to tackle 110km challenge in 24 hours for hospice

A leading researcher in physical activity and healthy living at the University of Suffolk will be tackling a gruelling 110-kilometre run across Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle to Gateshead to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Professor Valerie Gladwell, who is originally from Northumberland, will mark her 50^th birthday with the epic feat alongside one of her oldest friends, Julie, on Saturday 14 June.

Valerie will be carrying around 6kg of vital kit for the trek, including nutrition essentials, waterproofs and first-aid supplies.

It marks the latest challenge in the academic’s endurance efforts, which has included completing three marathons and an Ironman, as well as representing Great Britain on the international stage in the 2023 Europe Triathlon Championships in Madrid, just two years after first taking up triathlons.

Valerie says the latest challenge represents the most daunting test of mental and physical resilience to date.

“This challenge definitely scares me, but it’s about having fun, pushing my limits and seeing how I cope in a tough situation,” she added.

The run will be raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, which is a cause close to her heart.

Valerie said: “The care they’ve given to my friends and family has been phenomenal. I’m proud to support them through both this run and my research into end-of-life care, where I collaborate with Dr Joe Sawyer, a consultant at the hospice.”

The Hadleigh-based academic is Director of the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, a research centre which specialises in research around healthy living, long-term conditions and biosciences for human health.

Valerie’s research focuses on human physical activity, which has included studies in how the environment shapes physical activity, the impact of nature in improving sleep and reducing stress, and healthy ageing.

To sponsor Valerie, visit her Just Giving page here.

To find out more about Valerie’s work at the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, visit the Institute’s website here.