Jess Reaches Half-way Target of Wales Coastal Path Run in just Four Months

A Pembrokeshire mum-of-two has already completed half of her year-long challenge to virtually run the Wales Coastal Path in just four months.

Jess Mackeen set her sights on running 870 miles as part of the ‘Wales Coastal Path 2 Challenge – Run End to End’.

Jess, 39, is raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and has raised £1,116 so far. As well as her virtual challenge she is also organising raffles to boost her fundraising total, and making homemade desserts for family and friends.

The primary school breakfast and lunch-time supervisor aims to run 100 miles per month, despite the weather not always being the kindest and running against the wind direction. Jess is enjoying the challenge, saying that she has an ‘euphoric feeling after each run’. 

Reflecting on why she has chosen the lifesaving charity, Jess said: “I think it is an incredibly worthy charity and I just think you never know when you, family or friends, might need them. It’s a vital service, with parts of Wales being so rural. They save so many lives.  

“I’ve been lucky enough to go to the Dafen base twice and I’m so impressed with their work. Since fundraising for them, I’ve had people say to me that if it wasn’t for the quick response from Wales Air Ambulance, their loved ones wouldn’t be here today.” 

Jess from Haverfordwest, is no stranger to fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance. Before this fundraiser, she was £795 short of raising £5,000 for the charity. Her fundraising included a tandem skydive, running the Cardiff Half Marathon, and coffee mornings.

Jess added reaching the £5,000 target to her ‘to do before I’m 40 list’.

Jess is over the moon to have smashed her fundraising target and, in total, she has raised an incredible £5,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Jess is grateful for the fantastic support and encouragement from her family and friends. She added: “I’d like to thank everyone who supports me and those who continue to support me time after time.  Businesses, family and friends generously and kindly donate amazing prizes for the raffles, without them the raffles wouldn’t be possible. 

“I would, however, especially like to thank my two children Faith, 19, and Leo, 5, for their support and encouragement after every run.”

She has until 12 July, 2021 to complete her challenge. You can sponsor Jess via her Just Giving page ‘Jess’s end to end run. Wales coast path virtual run 870 miles page’

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RunJessica