I, along with a few others, joined John Abbey of the Leathern Bottle this morning to wave him off on his fund raising run. John’s challenge is a tough one and will take 11 days to complete covering some 400 miles. The finishing line however will be well worth it for a few reasons. John’s challenge takes him from Goring (Berkshire) to the well known area of Chablis, Northern France. Hence when he finishes he will not only be staying on for a couple of days to recover but to sample some of the local grapes… This massive challenge has so far raised a staggering £11,500 for 3 charities; Helen & Douglas House, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and Starlight Children’s Foundation. If you want to support this great challenge and cause there’s still time to donate. Simply visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/johnabbeytochablis

If you don’t know John or the Leathern Bottle (www.leathernebottel.co.uk) I strongly recommend you pay it a visit. Stunning food in a stunning location. It was taken on by Sir John Madejski a few years ago and is now a firm favourite of many. I know I’ll be going when John returns to see what he’s brought back…

Here is a video the start of this marathon run!

John Abbey setting off on his 400 mile run to Chablis, France (4MB)

Good luck!