A former Wales rugby international and advocate from Newport is set to take part in the Newport section of an extensive endurance event.
Alix Popham will accompany David ‘Jacko’ Jackson during the Newport portion of his undertaking to complete 100 ultramarathons over 100 days throughout the United Kingdom.
The Newport-raised former professional rugby player will be partnering with Jackson on this segment of his Mission IN-possible campaign to collect funds for the brain injury organisations Headway UK and Head for Change.
Jackson, who resides in North West Wales, aims to gather £1 million for the two charities.
He will be entering the concluding phases of his endeavour upon reaching the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport on August 25.
The event at the resort will continue through to Friday, August 28.
Jackson, a former rugby player himself, saw his sporting career cut short by a traumatic brain injury sustained in 2013.
In the subsequent years, he turned to running as part of his rehabilitation and launched his challenge after completing his inaugural marathon in 2020.
He stated that many consider the undertaking to be unachievable, but he maintains faith in the concept of IN-possible, a belief that developed through his recovery journey. He noted his personal experience of what rehabilitation can involve, as well as witnessing the consequences when individuals lack access to such opportunities. This is why the campaign supports Headway UK and Head for Change, along with those whose existences are permanently altered by brain injury.
The itinerary has been structured specifically to unite communities nationwide.
Jackson has been participating at 25 venues throughout the UK, remaining for four days at each location and covering the daily distance via 5km and 10km circuits.
This loop design enables any participant, whether runners, pedestrians, beginners or seasoned athletes, to accompany him for 5km or more and undertake their own interpretation of the IN-possible concept.
He explained that the initiative extends beyond passive encouragement from the sidelines, requiring active participation and individuals pursuing their own version of IN-possible. The focus is on self-belief, whether tackling an initial 5km or something more demanding, with strength growing when shared among supporters.
Popham, a former Welsh international and founder of Head for Change who is managing early-onset dementia, commented that the undertaking is remarkable and Jackson deserves tremendous recognition for undertaking it. Both organisations exist to assist those impacted by brain injury, which forms the core purpose. They anticipate joining him for the concluding couple of days near Newport alongside relatives and companions, wishing him well as he finishes this remarkable expedition.