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A local runner who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer is taking on two ultramarathons this summer to raise money for charity and to encourage other men to get tested for the condition.
Neil Laffolely, who works for Active Jersey, was diagnosed with cancer this January – shortly after he began his ultramarathon training.
Undeterred, he set out to run a 40-mile race called the Double Top Ultra in May which circles the north coast from Grosnez to St Catherine's twice, followed by a 70-mile race from Carlisle to Newcastle called The Wall in June, following the path of Hadrian's Wall.
Mr Laffoley, who trains at least four days a week, aims to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and raise awareness about the condition while showing that it is nothing to be afraid of if caught early.
"The message I'm trying to get across to men is that they should not be afraid of a diagnosis and that it isn't all the doom and gloom that you imagine.
"Yes, of course, I worry sometimes and let my mind run away with me, but in reality, I'm still running and carrying on pretty much as normal ahead of my operation in June."
He added: "My advice to men who suspect there may be something not quite right is to get checked out.
"I'm trying to show that if there is a problem and its caught early, then life still carries on as normal, even doing sporting activities such as mine.
"There is nothing to fear if any problems are identified in time."
Pictured: An ultramarathon is any footrace longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles – ranging from 50 kilometres to several hundred miles.
Mr Laffoley's first ultramarathon was a 56-mile road race called Comrades in South Africa in 2022 – but he wants to challenge himself this year by doing two.
"I love the challenges both mentally and physically of when everything about you is exhausted and figuring how to solve those challenges," he said.
"I'm also fascinated by the unfolding story of putting oneself through an Ultramarathon and how you manage the challenge in your mind."
Talking about his training, he said: "I prepare by putting together a 20-week training plan which covers not only running but strength and conditioning, nutrition and learning from other ultra-marathon runners through books or YouTube videos."
When asked for tips on how to get through the pain, he said: "As hard as it can be, you need to rationalise difficult situations when they come.
"Difficult moments or low energy levels will pass if you know what to do to correct them, whether that be through slowing down for a while or taking on hydration or nutrition.
"If you're thinking of doing a similar challenge for charity, commit to it but enjoy the process and stick to the plan. Don't take it too seriously and don't overthink it."
If you want to show your support for Neil, you can make a donation by clicking HERE.
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