Four dedicated members of staff from KSS have successfully completed an extraordinary and deeply demanding challenge, walking five marathons over five consecutive days, covering an incredible 131 miles between our bases at Rochester, Kent, and Redhill, Surrey.
Sophy Dunn, Helene Poursain, Warren Porritt and Dr Duncan Bootland — affectionately known as the ‘Fab Four’ received a hero’s welcome from family, friends, and KSS volunteers and colleagues as they crossed the finish line at Redhill Aerodrome after five days of relentless physical and mental endurance.
The challenge, which began on Monday 18 May, pushed the team to their absolute limits. Battling severe muscle fatigue, painful blisters and emotional exhaustion, they had to dig incredibly deep to keep going at times. The journey brought tears as well as triumph, but their determination and belief in the cause carried them through.
The team were not alone and along every part of their journey they had an extraordinary network of supporters. A dedicated support crew met them regularly over the days at key points, keeping them going with care and refreshments that helped make the challenge possible. Colleagues, charity supporters and members of the local community also joined the team for stretches along the route, whether for a full day or just a few miles, turning the challenge into a powerful shared experience
Support also came from afar, with regular video messages and words of encouragement providing a vital emotional lift when it was needed most.
The challenge aimed to raise vital funds and awareness for us.
KSS Project and Compliance Manager, Sophy Dunn, who initiated the challenge, said: “Completing this journey is an incredible feeling. There were moments that really pushed us, but the support we received and the shared purpose kept us going. This challenge has shown what’s possible when you come together as a team and believe in something bigger than yourself.”
Helene Poursain, Head of Public Fundraising at KSS: “This has been one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. The pain was real, and there were times we questioned how we’d keep going, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Every single step was worth it to help raise awareness and support for the lifesaving work we do at KSS.”
For Warren Porritt, Head of KSS in the Community., the challenge marked a deeply personal milestone, ten years after KSS saved his life:
“Crossing that finish line meant everything. There were moments during the challenge that were incredibly tough, but this journey has been a powerful way to give back and say thank you. We’ve shared so many unforgettable moments, both highs and lows, as a team, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”Dr Duncan Bootland, Executive Medical Director at KSS, said: “Completing this challenge alongside colleagues has been both humbling and inspiring. It truly tested us in every sense, but it has also reinforced what makes KSS so special — the dedication, teamwork and shared commitment to saving lives. For me, it brings into sharp focus the impact our work has on patients and their families every single day, and how vital the support of our communities is in making that possible. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together, and of the difference this will make for the charity.”
Funds raised through the ‘5 in 5’ challenge will directly support our lifesaving service, which costs approximately £57K a day to operate and is largely funded by public donations.
We hope the success of the challenge will inspire others to take on their own fundraising activities and continue support our vital work across the region.
To support the team or find out more, visit: https://aakss.org.uk/donations-5-marathons/
