Former Rugby pro closes in on world record in fundraising challenge

Former rugby player David ‘Jacko’ Jackson is nearing the end of a 100-day ultramarathon challenge raising funds for brain injury charities.

Jackson is aiming to complete a 50km ultramarathon every day for 100 consecutive days, with the challenge due to finish on September 5.

He hopes to raise £100,000 for Headway UK and Head for Change through the fundraising effort, called Mission IN-possible.

Jackson said: “Mission IN-possible has not been easy and has been a huge stress on the body- but it is nothing compared to the brain injury that I recovered from back in 2013.

“And it is nothing compared to someone who may never recover fully from their injury.

“That’s why this challenge is for Headway UK and Head for Change – and for the people whose lives are changed forever by brain injury.

“These two charities support individuals and their families affected by brain injury, and work to improve life after brain injury.”

The challenge began on May 29 and has taken Jackson to 25 locations across the UK, including Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol, before finishing in Wales.

Jackson passed the previous men’s record of 80 consecutive ultramarathons when he completed his 81st on August 17.

More than 725 supporters have joined him during the challenge, including fitness entrepreneur Ollie Marchon and TV presenter Ben Shephard.

Jackson’s professional rugby career with Nottingham R.F.C ended in 2013 due to a traumatic brain injury and seizure on the pitch during a pre-season training session.

Jackson experienced fatigue, sensitivity to light and cognitive problems for months after the injury.

It took Jackson seven years after his brain injury to run his first marathon.

He is now completing his daily 50km distance through 5km and 10km loops as he approaches the end of the challenge.

Mission IN-possible is due to finish on September 5 at Caernarfon Castle, where Jackson is scheduled to run from September 2 to September 5.

Jackson said: “The thing I’m most proud of is the people who have come to join me and my wife Catherine, who is my main support crew. To be joined by over 700 people- from eight-years-old to 80- makes this challenge so special and has kept us going each day.

“The overall goal is to change lives; to help those affected by brain injury, to change the recovery process for someone in the future.

“Completing Mission IN-possible only matters if it helps change the awareness and understanding of brain injuries.”

Helen Craig, fundraising manager at Headway UK, said: “Jacko has firsthand experience of the challenges that come from living with a brain injury. His determination to turn such a difficult period of his life into something so positive is truly inspiring.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Jacko for taking on this extraordinary challenge.

“His efforts will help us to continue supporting people rebuilding their lives after brain injury, as well as raise crucial awareness of the reality of brain injury, all while bringing communities together across the UK.

“Everyone at Headway UK is incredibly proud of Jacko, who we’ll be cheering on every step of the way!”

Alix Popham, founder of Head for Change, said: “This is an unbelievable challenge, and full credit to Jacko for taking it on.

“Both charities are here to support people affected by brain injury, and that’s what it’s all about.

“We’re really looking forward to joining him for the final couple of days around Newport alongside friends and family.

“Wishing him the very best of luck as he completes this incredible journey.”