Kidney Research UK

On 6th October 2006, Rebecca Hampton traveled to the Amazon jungle in Brazil to take part in the Jungle Marathon. This is a 200km footrace through the jungle, where competitors are not only expected to carry themselves through some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain, but also sufficient food, clothing and equipment to keep them going for seven days. Not only did she complete the challenge, but actually became the ladies champion!

“I chose to raise money in aid of Kidney Research UK as quite recently, a very close friend of mine suffered complete kidney failure”, said Rebecca. “However, he is one of the lucky ones, in that in a fairly short time his brother became a live organ donor, and donated one of his own kidneys. Kidney disease, despite affecting a large number of people, is not well known and gets very limited funding for research. This means that a lot of people have to spend 10-15 hours per week on dialysis, and in many cases are not well enough to work full time or travel.

“The sport, to me, is addictive - it can take you to some of the remotest and most striking parts of the world (where any locals that you may see think you're insane for voluntarily running through terrain where they struggle daily for survival). You are also testing yourself to the limit, both physically and mentally. I will certainly be defending my title in the 2007 event!”

Helen Haynes, Community Fundraising Manager for Kidney Research UK, said. “We are all very proud of Rebecca’s accomplishment and grateful that she chose our charity to benefit from this. Rebecca’s account of the race is truly inspiring, and we wish her luck in her next extreme distance challenge!”

To read all about Rebecca’s epic expedition, visit her website at www.racethextreme.co.uk