Dear friends,
On June 8th, Big Dave (Dad) and I will take on the Comrades Ultramarathon — a 56-mile race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban — in support of Insulate Ukraine.
Comrades is the oldest ultramarathon in the world, and this year it’s the 'down run', starting in Pietermaritzburg’s hills and finishing at sea level in Durban. The course winds through KwaZulu Natal and the Valley of a Thousand Hills — Intabeni Zezinkulu for those who know their Zulu! Up or down, it’s a brutal and beautiful challenge.
It’ll be my first time running anything longer than a marathon. Thankfully, I will be in good company. Big Dave is back for his third Comrades at the ripe young age of 66. He’s tough, experienced, and still up for a challenge.
We’re running to support Insulate Ukraine, founded by the remarkable Harry Blakiston-Houston, who recognised that shattered windows are a critical problem in warzones and paused his PhD at Cambridge to help Ukraine.
https://www.insulate-ukraine.org/
Since its launch, Insulate Ukraine has made a remarkable impact. In eastern Ukraine, relentless shelling has shattered windows across entire neighbourhoods—leaving homes uninhabitable through the harsh winters. The charity’s simple, low-cost window system helps families return to their homes and supports job creation in communities where local economies have collapsed.
Two years on, 45,000 windows have been installed, bringing thousands of families back home.
We’re hoping to raise enough to fund thousands more.
- £5,000 → 500 windows
- £10,000 → 1,000 windows
- £20,000 → 2,000 windows
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference — and we’re so grateful for your support.
All the best
Henry
Please note: Harry’s charity behind Insulate Ukraine is called Paddy Accelerator — a name inspired by St Patrick, the patron saint of engineering, and the spirit of accelerating innovation in the humanitarian space.
Raising for
Donation Summary
£9,458.14
raised of £10,000
