Melksham colleagues raise over £1,000 in 100km coastal challenge

Two Melksham fundraisers have taken on one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, raising more than £1,000 for mental health charities in the process. 

Sherelyn Cowles and Corey Wyatt competed in the gruelling Jurassic Coast 100km Ultra last month, tackling the demanding coastal route from Corfe Castle to Bridport.

The duo, who work for local accountancy firm, Gooding Accounts, took on the course over one of the toughest sections of coastal path in the UK. Sherelyn crossed the finish line at 5am after walking continuously for more than 22 hours. Sadly, Corey was forced to withdraw at the 82km mark after suffering an ankle injury.

Despite being an experienced distance runner, Sherelyn described the Jurassic Coast Ultra as the toughest challenge she has ever faced.

“The hills were steep, but that wasn’t the worst part,” she said. “Chesil Beach was an absolute killer – about 10km of shingle beach at 1am in the morning made me swear quite a lot!” While Sherelyn is no stranger to extreme endurance events, the challenge was a completely new experience for Corey, who had never even completed a 5km event before signing up. Inspired to take on the challenge, Corey led the idea from the outset, with Sherelyn agreeing to train alongside him, spending months preparing and clocking up countless training miles across the Wiltshire countryside.

“Although Corey was hugely disappointed not to reach the 100km finish line, taking on such an enormous challenge is still an incredible achievement,” said Sherelyn.

“Corey wanted to carry on, but medically he really shouldn’t have. I made him stop before he injured himself any further – but completing 82km having never done anything like this before is incredible and we’re all so proud of him.”     

Undeterred, Corey is already considering another 100km ultra in the future, although on a slightly less challenging course.

Sherelyn raised £515 for “Best Mates”, a Wiltshire based charity that helps support people through difficult times with peer support, understanding and a safe space to talk. The cause is particularly close to her heart, as she also helps run the charity’s “Walk N Talk Wednesdays” group in Melksham. Corey raised £650 for “Mind” the leading mental health charity supporting individuals across England & Wales. Gooding Accounts are a local accountancy firm with an office in Melksham.