SoulKind Stories
Iain Ward: King of Chemo
If you were given five years left to live, what would you do?
Iain Ward, 33, came face to face with this question over two years ago when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He has now turned his focus to breaking the world record for the most money raised, for a single marathon. And he is hoping to do this by gaining sponsors through his social media platforms.
Sally Orange: Juice Do It!
As Sally Orange sits on the other side of a Zoom call to us, we can't help but think about how this is probably her last chance to relax for a very long time. The army veteran and physiotherapist exudes a quiet energy, putting us in no doubt that the series of challenges ahead that she has set for herself will not only be endured, but conquered.
Charlie Walker: Curious and wild-hearted
When we speak with Charlie Walker for this feature he is relaxed, with verdant hanging plants on the shelves behind him framing his profile. It's a stark contrast to the environment that he'll be spending 3 months in from 12th February: ski trekking 1000 miles along the frozen Lena River in Arctic Siberia. It's the coldest inhabited place on earth, with temperatures reaching -50°C.
Justin True: Do something great...
It’s 6.00am on the west coast of Oregon, USA and Justin True joins me from his garage, the only spot in the house to get a full wi-fi signal, first coffee of the day in hand. For the last year he had been living life in London, UK, his job on nuclear plants allowing him to work remotely, but for now he is back in his hometown in the US working on plans for his next challenge.
Nikki Smith: Show up and be seen
I first listened to Nikki’s story when she was interviewed from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the 2020 Kendal Mountain Festival. I was immediately taken aback by the raw emotion in her voice. There was a sense of vulnerability that left me wanting to know more and to gain a better understanding of who Nikki is.
Anthony Daulphin: A leap of faith for community spirit
Quite often we are introduced, all be it virtually at present, to new people from all walks of life with inspiring stories to tell. Some of these people are making a real difference in society and Anthony Daulphin is one of them.
Scott Jenkins: Ultra-Running into the World Record books
Scott Jenkins is currently deep into his brutal training regime for something pretty extraordinary. Something that when you stop and actually think about, kind of blows your mind. We caught up with him via Zoom to get more of an insight into his life in general and the challenge that lies ahead of him for 2021
Vanessa Ruck: From a life-changing accident to hard enduro
“I’ve learnt what’s important and what’s worth fighting for”, Vanessa Ruck said as she reflected on her journey to recovery following her accident. Having just arrived in Wales after moving house, she joined us over video chat to share her story on how she became known as ‘The Girl on a Bike’.
Jacqui Furneaux: It's the same the whole world over
It wasn’t the first time in its twenty-year lifetime that I have called out in desperation to the bike, “What’s wrong with you NOW?”