During the summer holidays Sam ran 50miles one day and cycled 150miles the next to travel from New York to Los Angeles (3000 miles) on the iconic Route 66.
He talked about how far the journey was, and the time of day he set off each morning. He told us about visiting the White House and how he had actually arrived at the back door!
Sam told us why he ran across America. When he left school, he joined the marines. He told us how some of his friends got hurt while he was in the marines and how he wanted to help him run and play football with his children. He realised that he needed to buy him a very special leg to help, the leg cost £8000. This is why he does it, to help raise money to help these people. However, he does it to show everyone that you can do anything you want to.
“I know I can run, I can run and run, but sometimes it hurts and I think of my friend and know that my pain was only for 5 weeks and not forever like my friend’s pain is.”
Sam told us about the climate in America, how the top temperatures were 45 degrees and how the weather being so warm made him sweat and lose a stone in weight.
One night he went to Pizza Hut and had three pizzas, 2 puddings, 4 bags of Maltesers.
He told us about cycling an extra 80 miles to go and see the Grand Canyon and how he had seen where a meteor had hit the earth. He then told us about travelling through the desert. During the day the temperatures were so high he ran only in shorts and at night the temperatures were perishing (-6 degrees). He had to wear trousers, coat, jumper. There were also snakes. He found these frightening.
Not only has Sam run across America, 5 years ago he ran around the uk (running through 13 pairs of trainers). Before crossing America he had raised £22,000 for Help for Heroes. They have now raised £28,000.
The whole challenge took Sam 32 days (3 days quicker than anticipated).
The children asked some amazing questions. His next challenge could involve New Zealand. The children have been inspired and enthralled at his tale of hard work and resilience. A huge thank you to Mrs Hughes for organising this special visit.
I think I missed something very special today. I have no doubt that Sam will have inspired our children both in his sporting challenge and in raising money.
Good luck with your next challenge Sam!
From all at Applegarth. I agree thank you Mrs Hughes for organising this to support the Y34 Road Trip USA project.