Island challengers 'will get through it together'

Karl Thompson is planning to run, hike and kayak his way across Saint Lucia to raise money for charity.

A group of charity fundraisers, preparing to complete a "grueling" challenge on a Caribbean island, will "get through it together", the organiser has said.

Karl Thompson from Wokingham, Berkshire is part of a group of 30 preparing to run, hike and kayak their way across Saint Lucia in a bid to raise £100,000 for healthcare for children in the region.

It is the third time the 56-year-old has taken on the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, which he and two friends dreamt up in 2022.

He said he was "looking forward" to the four-day challenge and that the money raised would make a "massive difference".

The challenge will raise money for paediatric healthcare

Mr Thompson, who works in the travel industry, came up with the idea with two work colleagues after doing a half marathon.

"Because we worked for a Caribbean company, we said that we wanted to represent the foundation that is part of our business, and we thought 'why not run around an island, a Caribbean island?'" he said.

"Because that's pretty unique and a great way to potentially get some funds to make a difference in the communities in the Caribbean."

They have previously completed similar challenges twice on different islands, with the 2025 event due to take place on St Lucia in October.

The challenge involves a 12km (7.5 mile) run and a 10km (6.2 mile) sea kayak on the day one, a five-hour rainforest jungle trek on the second day and a half marathon run on the third - which Mr Thompson said would be "the tough day".

The team will climb the Gros Piton volcano on day four.

"It's a grueling four days but it will be an incredible experience," said Mr Thompson.

Mr Thompson said it would be "an incredible experience"

He said the events have been "well supported by the locals".

"They are beautiful countries... but they do have their challenges," he said.

"It's great to be able to give back, but particularly for the children - so we focus on paediatric care and hospitals and they're lacking equipment that they need.

"New equipment will be bought for the special care baby unit in St Lucia's hospital there, and it will make a massive difference to the families that need the support, and obviously the children."

Despite the difficulties - including the temperature and humidity - Mr Thompson said he was planning more fundraising challenges.

"As long as my knees hold up," he said.