When Polly decided to take part in the Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge, a 50km looped route that takes participants through some of the best countryside in the Chilterns, it wasn’t just about fitness, it was about testing herself, celebrating the outdoors, and doing something truly meaningful. “I’ve always loved walking, running, and being out in the countryside, but the idea of a marathon never quite appealed to me.”
After seeing several members from Polly’s gym complete the Ultra Challenges, she felt inspired to give it a go. The decision became even more personal when her best friend Helen lost her father-in-law in 2024. “Her family had raised a significant amount for Sobell House Hospice, and I knew I wanted to support both my friend and Against Breast Cancer.”
A Motto to Live By
Earlier this year, Polly and Helen climbed Snowdon twice in March to raise money for Sobell House. While they were there, Polly also ticked something off her bucket list: “riding the fastest zip wire in the world!”
Before the ride, they met an elderly couple in their seventies. The gentleman said something to Polly that has stayed with her ever since – “You must do these things before you die.”
That simple phrase became Polly’s life motto. When they were climbing Snowdon the next day, it was the quote they kept repeating, and during the Ultra Challenge, it became their mantra when the going got tough.
Running for a Cause Close to My Heart
“Breast cancer is a cause that means so much to me.” Polly’s mum and two of her aunties have all battled the disease and, thankfully, come out the other side. During the hardest parts of the challenge, Polly reminded herself that while this was difficult, it was nothing compared to the strength and resilience they showed in their fight. That thought carried her through every mile.
Training Together
“Training alongside my best friend was a joy. We spent many weekends walking along the Ridgeway, planning our routes around coffee shops and lunch stops to make it fun as well as challenging.”
Even on holiday in Devon, Polly managed to fit in a four-hour walk and convinced her family to join her! “My dad told me how inspired he was by the challenge and how proud he was of our determination to see it through.”
The Big Day
“When the big day arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The buzz from the crowds and the camaraderie among participants was incredible, there’s something truly special about being surrounded by people who all understand the mental and physical effort it takes to complete the course.”
Of course, there were moments of laughter too.
“Around the 35K mark, without a rest stop, my friend found herself in desperate need of the toilet. The result was an unplanned “wild wee” in the middle of Henley that ended rather disastrously, and hilariously, for her. The nickname she earned afterwards kept us laughing for miles!”
Digging Deep
By 35K, everything started to ache, and they both hit a mental wall. “That’s when I thought about my family, our charities, and the people we were doing this for.”
At just the right moment, their partners appeared at 37K, they had planned a route to meet them, and seeing their faces gave them the energy and motivation they needed to keep going.
“We’d promised each other that no matter how tired we were, we’d run the final stretch, and we did. Crossing that finish line hand in hand was an unforgettable feeling. I hugged my best friend and burst into tears, overwhelmed with pride and emotion.
“As I crossed the line, my mum told me how proud she was, a moment I’ll treasure forever. Hugging my fiancé afterwards and thanking him for his endless support made the day even more special.”
Afterwards, they celebrated with chicken burgers, apple crumble and custard, and a can of Coke, all well-deserved!
And that bath when Polly got home? “Without a doubt, the best one of my life.”
Reflecting on the Journey
“Taking part in the Ultra Challenge was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The support, the atmosphere, and the knowledge that I was raising money for causes so close to my heart made every step worthwhile.I set out to challenge myself, to see what I was capable of, and I discovered that when you truly put your mind to something, your body will follow. As that kind gentleman once said, and as I’ve reminded myself many times since – You must do these things before you die.”
From all of us at Against Breast Cancer, a massive thank you to Polly for her strength, determination, and for raising an incredible £705 to support our vital research.
Fancy signing up to one of our events in support of ABC yourself? You can find more information here.