Holmer Park Health Club & Spa is supporting a Hereford mum taking on an extraordinary 488-mile challenge in memory of her son, James, who died by suicide at the age of just 22. Sarah Plumridge will take on her remarkable 22 for 22 Challenge in April 2027, walking and running 22 miles every day for 22 consecutive days. As Sarah begins the long and demanding process of preparing for the challenge, Holmer Park Health Club & Spa has pledged its support by providing her with complimentary membership throughout her training.
Beginning on Sunday 11 April, Sarah will cover an incredible 488.2 miles over the course of the challenge, with the London Marathon forming part of her journey. Her final miles will bring her back to Hereford, where she will finish at Westfields FC's Allpay Park on 2nd May during the second JAMO Memorial Match.
The challenge has been created in memory of Sarah's son, James, who died in September 2025. Following his death, Sarah, alongside a number of James's friends, established JAMO CIC to raise money and awareness for mental health causes. Every mile of Sarah's challenge will be dedicated to James, while the money raised will support both mental health charity Mind and JAMO CIC. Sarah is also being supported by Smart Performance Coaching, who will be helping her prepare for the challenge. Holmer Park already works closely with Smart Performance Coaching, which runs Holmer Park's running club, and the partnership will help provide Sarah with access to the facilities and support she needs as she prepares for one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of her life.
Sarah stated: “I want to find out what I’m capable of – physically and mentally. I want to push myself into difficult places, face the moments when I question whether I can continue and discover the strength to keep moving forward. I know that 22 miles for 22 days cannot compare with the struggles many people face every day. But, in my own small way, I want to understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed, exhausted and unsure whether you can carry on. Because sometimes, you don’t know how strong you are until being strong is your only option. I hope this challenge will also deepen my understanding of the importance of checking in, listening without judgement and simply asking: “You OK, mate?”
The route is currently being finalised and will include Carterton, where James spent the first 11 years of his life. Sarah is also inviting members of the community to support her journey, whether by joining her for training miles, helping along the challenge route or simply cheering her on.
Steven Chadwick, General Manager at Holmer Park says; “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Holmer Park, and mental health is a cause particularly close to our hearts. We do a great deal to support men's mental health, so when we heard about Sarah's challenge and the story behind it, we wanted to do what we could to help. What she is taking on is truly remarkable, and we are incredibly proud to support her as she prepares for this challenge in memory of James.”
To support Sarah's 22 for 22 Challenge, donations can be made via her fundraising page: https://gofund.me/d6610b346
