Race to £1 million

In May 2024, Jon Cooke, Trustee of The Fine & Country Foundation, and Sean Newman of Fine & Country Midlands will lace up their running shoes to embark on an incredible journey along the Grand Union Canal Towpath. The route spans 154 miles, beginning at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham, winding through the picturesque countryside of Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, and the Chilterns, before concluding their epic run at Fine & Country's Park Lane office in London.

The duo will cover approximately 34 miles per day over the course of five days with Jon planning to run the route, and Sean walking. They will also be joined by Craig Dyce, current World and European Duathlon Champion, they extend an open invitation to anyone who wishes to join them on a leg of the route, encouraging participation and camaraderie along the way, either walking, running, or biking. For those unable to join in person, they can still show their support by offering words of encouragement and making donations via the link.

The primary purpose of this extraordinary undertaking is to raise funds for The Fine & Country Foundation, an organisation established in 2014 by Malcolm Lindley and Sean Newman. Dedicated to assisting those facing poverty and homelessness, the Foundation annually distributes grants to numerous charitable organisations, utilising funds from the Fine & Country network and public donations. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over £950,000. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Cooke and Newman aim to help reach the £1 million milestone with this fundraising effort.

Commenting on the initiative, Jon states, "running and walking the length of the Grand Union Canal Towpath is not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. We're honoured to support The Fine & Country Foundation's vital work and are committed to reaching our fundraising goal." Sean adds, "The Foundation's mission resonates deeply with both Jon and I. As we embark on this journey, we invite individuals and communities to join us in our efforts to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing hardship."

How can you get involved?

We would love for you to join the team on one of the below dates at the prearranged meeting points;

Thursday 16th May 2024 from 7am

Birmingham Gas Street Basin to Acocks Green, Birmingham - 8 Miles

Acocks Green, Birmingham to Lapworth, Warwickshire - 12 Miles

Lapworth to Leamington Spa, Warwickshire - 13 Miles

Friday 17th May 2024 from 7am

Leamington Spa to Napton on The Hill, Warwickshire - 11 Miles

Napton on The Hill to Daventry, Northamptonshire - 8 Miles

Daventry to Weedon Bec, West Northamptonshire - 7 Miles

Saturday 18th May 2024 from 7am 

Weedon Bec to Blisworth, West Northamptonshire - 8 Miles

Blisworth to Stoney Stratford, Buckinghamshire - 12 Miles

Stoney Stratford to Milton Keynes Quayside, Bucks - 8 Miles

Sunday 19th May 2024 from 7am

Milton Keynes Quay to Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire - 10 Miles

Leighton Buzzard to Tring, Hertfordshire - 12 Miles

Tring to Kings Langley, Hertfordshire - 12 Miles

Monday 20th May 2024 from 7am 

Kings Langley to Denham, Uxbridge - 12 Miles

Denham to Hayes, Middlesex - 7 Miles

Hayes to Kew, London - 7 Miles

Kew to Park Lane, London - 7 Miles

To support Jon Cooke and Sean Newman on their charity journey and to contribute to the Fine & Country Foundation's mission, donations can be made through the official fundraising page, or you can join Jon Cooke and Sean Newman as they run for a cause, spreading hope and making strides towards a brighter future for those in need.

More from Fine & Country