Salisbury teenager set to run essentially the length of Wiltshire
Cameron Jacobs is raising money for the True Athlete Project
A Salisbury teenager is set to run pretty much the length of Wiltshire to raise money for other young athletes like him.
15 year old Cameron Jacobs is planning to run 46 miles from his home in the city to Swindon next month (Sunday 17th July), in support of the True Athlete Project.
Cam has autism, ADHD, Tourette's and a condition that requires daily injections, but has a real passion for long-distance cross country running.
He's had a scholarship with the scheme for the last two years - being mentored by GB Paralympic Judo champion Chris Skelley, as Cam explains:
"He's brought in physiotherapists and nutritionists and we set goals together. He's improved me as an athlete and the project helps you be a better athlete. It's one of the best programmes I've ever done, so I want to raise money for them."
Cameron, who attends a special school, is aiming to raise £950 through his challenge.
That's enough to pay for another scholarship for a young person on the True Athlete Project.
Cam will be running alongside his mum, Salisbury Medical Practice GP, Dr Polly Jacobs, on the day - with planned stop-offs at local pubs.
His mentor Chris Skelley, who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, will also be getting involved:
"He'll be rowing whilst we're running, on his rowing machine and we'll get to meet at the other end. We've been on Zoom and never really got to see each other face to face, so that'll be really nice."
Cameron's no stranger to long running challenges, having taken on the 36 mile Avon Valley Trail in 2020, from Salisbury to Christchurch, to raise money for Salisbury Young Musicians.
Cam explains why he loves about long-distance running:
"When you're doing long trail runs, the views are really good if you go up mountains, you can take in nature and you can let your thoughts wander. You've got lots of time in the fresh air."
You can support Cameron, his mum Polly, and his mentor Chris Skelley in their challenge on their online fundraising page.