I’m James.

Barry and I have been close friends since high school, back in those days we were mainly interested in music, hair, and looking cool.

Running? Exercise? Health? Not on the radar.

(Neither was looking cool btw).

I started getting into fitness in my mid twenties when I realised the human body isn’t immune to the long term effects of beer, cigarettes and crisps. Over the years since then I’ve really enjoyed getting into triathlons, trail running, swimming and cycling. I love the great outdoors and the feeling of satisfaction you get from travelling on your own steam (not to mention the volume of food you can get away with consuming after a big adventure).

I’m totally impressed with Barry’s commitment to this task. He first mentioned it to me while his mum Mary was still with us and I was behind him 100 per cent. It’s going to be very tough, but it’s going to be a huge achievement – something you can’t really totally prepare your body for and something that deserves a great deal of recognition. I’m sure he’ll make it from start to finish, through blood sweat and tears, and raise as much money as possible for Ninewells and Macmillan Cancer Support who helped Mary while she was ill.