Camberley Runner Tackles 100km Ultra for Muscular Dystrophy
Local Hero Takes on Gruelling South Coast Challenge
Sam Herschell, a 44-year-old from Camberley, is pushing his body to its limits this weekend in a deeply personal tribute to his younger brother. The ambitious 100-kilometre ultra-distance run stretches from Eastbourne along the Sussex coast to Arundel, passing some of the South Downs’ most iconic landmarks including the dramatic cliffs of Beachy Head and the towering Seven Sisters. For Sam, this isn’t just another endurance event—it’s a mission of love and remembrance. Tom, his younger brother, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at just two years old and tragically passed away in 2002 aged only 16. The condition is a severe, progressive muscle-wasting disease that severely limited Tom’s physical capabilities, yet Sam remembers him as someone who never lost his smile or fighting spirit. “Tom was never down, never cried, never moaned,” Sam explains. “He was always happy and smiling despite everything. I hope he’d be proud of me. He’ll be my little angel on my shoulder.” Every step Sam takes from Saturday into Sunday will honour Tom’s memory and support Muscular Dystrophy UK, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives for people living with muscle-wasting conditions.
How a Brother’s Spirit Shapes Community Action
Growing up with Tom shaped Sam’s entire approach to life and community involvement. Despite his disability, Tom was a passionate footballer and Manchester United supporter who refused to let his condition define his possibilities. Sam recalls playing wheelchair football with his brother—moments of joy that transcended physical limitations. “Just because he had a disability didn’t mean he couldn’t do it,” Sam remembers. “He loved playing wheelchair football.” These cherished memories have motivated Sam’s ongoing charitable work. He’s already completed the London Marathon and organised numerous fundraising efforts, all dedicated to Tom’s legacy. The South Coast Ultra Challenge represents the culmination of years of dedication to keeping his brother’s memory alive whilst supporting others facing similar battles. Sam’s journey from Camberley demonstrates how deeply personal loss can transform into meaningful community action. His determination resonates particularly with residents across Surrey, from Guildford to Woking, Dorking, Horsley, and East Horsley, where community spirit often emerges from individual stories of resilience. Sam’s philosophy remains simple: “The impact my brother had on me is still very much with me. I look for the positive in everything, which inspired me to fundraise for a good cause.”
What Local Residents Should Know and How to Support
The South Coast Ultra Challenge begins Saturday in Eastbourne, with participants navigating a demanding overnight route that includes an overnight stop in Brighton before reaching Arundel on Sunday. For Surrey residents wanting to support Sam’s efforts, donations to Muscular Dystrophy UK can be made through his fundraising page. Every contribution directly supports research, care, and support services for people living with muscle-wasting conditions like the one that affected Tom. Muscular Dystrophy UK funds vital research aimed at finding treatments and cures whilst providing immediate support to affected families. The charity offers practical help, emotional support, and advocacy for patients across the country. Sam’s ultra run highlights the importance of community fundraising in advancing medical research and improving quality of life for vulnerable populations. For those inspired by Sam’s story, there are multiple ways to get involved: donate directly, share his fundraising campaign across social networks, or simply learn more about muscular dystrophy to better understand the challenges faced by families. Those renovating their homes with bathroom fitters or kitchen renovation specialists might consider making charitable donations as part of their spending. Sam’s legacy serves as a reminder that personal tragedy, when channelled positively, can generate real change. Follow his progress this weekend and celebrate his remarkable achievement.
Source: Surrey man runs 100km through Sussex for Muscular Dystrophy UK
