When most people think of running a marathon, they imagine 26.2 miles of mental and physical endurance. But for Matt Pilgrim, a father from Maidenhead, one marathon wasn’t enough. Not even two. Matt took on the Montane Spine Race – widely recognised as Britain’s most brutal race – covering a staggering 268 miles in a single, continuous effort, and raised an incredible £3,172 for Jessie May in the process.
The challenge wasn’t just about distance. It was about survival, stamina and purpose.
“There are only five checkpoints along the entire course,” Matt explained. “You have to carry your own food, stay on the trail, and sleep – if at all – wherever you can. There’s over 11,000 metres of climbing. That’s more than Everest.”
The Montane Spine Race tests even the toughest ultra-athletes. But for Matt, it was about more than pushing physical limits. It was about showing his young daughter the value of grit and compassion – and supporting a cause he believes in deeply.
Matt explains his reasons for taking on this challenge:
“I’ve always found that sport gives me balance – it’s how I reset, reflect, and show up as the best version of myself. Running, in particular, has become my way of processing life. It’s a quiet space in a noisy world and a reminder of what’s possible when you keep moving forward, even when things get hard.
In 2009, after cycling to Paris for charity, I was involved in a serious accident that resulted in a near-severed right hand. The injuries were extensive—torn ligaments, severed nerves, and a ruptured artery. I was told I’d likely never regain meaningful use of the hand again. The plan was to adapt to life one-handed and focus on what I could no longer do.
But I couldn’t quite accept that. I didn’t want the story to end there.
Through surgery, rehabilitation, and a lot of persistence, I eventually regained enough movement to return not just to daily life, but to the wild places I love. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to run across deserts, jungles, mountains and canyons—but it’s not about collecting medals. It’s about proving to myself and, I hope, to others that we’re all capable of more than we think—especially when we’re told we’re not.
One of the biggest reasons I do these things is to set an example for my daughter. She’s eight years old and inspires me every day with her energy, curiosity, and courage. I want her to grow up knowing that the limits people place on us—whether physical, emotional, or societal—aren’t fixed. I want her to believe in what’s possible.
The Summer Spine Race is the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on. It’s brutally long, self-supported, and relentlessly tough. But I feel incredibly fortunate just to be able to try. And if doing something hard can help someone else in a harder place, then that feels like the right reason to do it.”
Why Jessie May?
Matt discovered Jessie May through a friend in PR and was immediately moved by the charity’s mission to care for children with life-limiting conditions in the comfort of their own homes.
“I’m supporting Jessie May because the work they do is profoundly meaningful. They provide hospice-at-home care for children with life-limiting conditions—offering not just medical support, but love, hope, and a sense of dignity to families who are facing some of the hardest days imaginable.
A few close friends introduced me to the charity, and once I learned more, it just stuck with me. As a parent, their mission hits close to home. The emotional and physical resilience these families show every day is beyond inspiring.
Taking on something like the Spine Race is a huge physical challenge—but it’s nothing compared to what many of the families supported by Jessie May are living with every single day. If my run across the hills can shine even a small light on the incredible work they do, and help raise some much-needed funds or awareness, then that’s worth every step.”
Running through wild fells, harsh weather and long, isolated nights, Matt used that belief as motivation. His wife, Bee, coordinated updates and helped keep his supporters engaged, while Matt focused on staying upright – and alive.
“You’re in this strange space – it’s euphoric and dark in equal measure,” Matt reflected. “The messages of support kept me going. Sometimes it was just a simple text that gave me the strength to put one foot in front of the other.”
To Matt, Bee, and everyone who supported the challenge: thank you. Your dedication is helping us continue to be there for the families who need us.
Jessie May is more than a hospice at home. We are a lifeline. And because of people like Matt, we’re still standing.
👉 Inspired by Matt’s story? Start your own challenge or find out how you can get involved in our recent appeal: https://we-need-you.jessiemay.org.uk
