Rowan Chanin Epic Saharan Challenge

Rowan Chanin, 24, from North Devon is training five times a week to complete one of the biggest challenges of her life - two marathons in two days in blistering…

Rowan Chanin

Rowan Chanin, 24, from North Devon is training five times a week to complete one of the biggest challenges of her life – two marathons in two days in blistering 28 degree heat in the Sahara desert – to raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Care.

Rowan was inspired to take on the challenge by a close family friend, who has three children with Cystic Fibrosis. One of the children, Jago, is the same age as Rowan.

Rowan said: “Jago gave an amazing talk a few months ago talking about how he has struggled and overcame difficult times, often being kept in hospital for weeks at a time with infections. Despite this, he always says yes to adventure, running several marathons, trekking in the Himalayas and even climbing Mont Blanc! Jago told me If he can do it, I can.”

Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common life shortening chronic fatal genetic diseases affecting around 10,000 children and young adults in the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system, making it difficult to breathe and digest food. Complications increase with age requiring ever increasing levels of care, treatment and support. The average life expectancy is in the late 30’s. There is no cure.

Rowan said: “I aim to raise £2,000 and I’m hosting a series of fundraising events in the lead up to October via monthly bake sales, pub quizzes, a Facebook auction in March, a craft day in the Easter holidays and a running event in June.”

Rowan, a trained sports therapist, is taking part in the Saharan event with 100 people.

She added: “I regularly take part in running events including 10km races, 10 milers and half marathons. Being a Sports Therapist means that I understand how to prevent injury, create training plans and optimise my running technique. My training for the big event involves five gym sessions per week of strength training, plyometrics and Olympic lifting techniques. For the running side of things, I will do one hill session, one interval session and one long run each week. I try to also fit in a swim every week too.”

Starting in Morocco, the UNESCO World Heritage Draa Valley provides a dramatic backdrop for the two marathon distances over two days across endless sand dunes and rocky trails. To support Rowan’s amazing challenge donate to her Justgiving page here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rowanchanin

About Cystic Fibrosis Care

Cystic Fibrosis Care was established in June 2015. It is a charity formed and run by professional fundraisers who are parents of children who have Cystic Fibrosis. The charity provides essential services and equipment, practical help and support to children and adults, their families and Specialist Care Centres. http://www.cysticfibrosiscare.org.uk/ . Charity Number 1162445