Twelve months. Twelve sporting challenges. Twelve hours each. Martin Dickson tells Lucy Callington why 2025 will see him pushing himself to the edge of his physical limits.
For Impington resident Martin Dickson, 2025 looks likely to be a bit busier than usual! The not-quite fifty-year-old was inspired by his approaching half century, to take on a huge challenge for a cause that is very close to his heart.
Taking on a different 12-hour physical trial every month for 12 months, Martin will be trying his hand at everything from cycling and circuit training to football, pickleball and padel – with the aim of raising £12,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Martin, who works at Girton based care home Arlington Manor, is no stranger to adventure. Before settling in Impington in 2013, he travelled extensively and lived in many different countries before meeting his future wife, Sinead on a bus in Laos. Taking on a charity challenge at 50 is just the next chapter.
Daunting and challenging
Martin explains: “I wanted to test myself, and inspire people, but it’s more than a little daunting too. I’ve taken part in sports for years, so I know I have a good fitness level, but each sport is going to be a proper test and only real determination, with my inspirational family in mind, will keep me going throughout them all. Some of the challenges are sports I play regularly while others I have only dabbled in. I just hope I am fit enough to survive them all!”
Martin kick-started his challenge in January with a gruelling 12-hours of cycling, hosted by Arlington Manor. “It went very well”, he tells me. “I had residents, family members and people from right across the community come and join in, support and donate.
“I was pretty sore for a few days, but managed just under 200km on the bike and had lots of generous donations – raising over £800”.
Giving back
Twelve months of pushing yourself to the limit takes real dedication and Martin’s inspiration for this challenge comes from two very special people – his mum and dad. “Both of my parents were true inspirations to me and my family, and to countless friends, neighbours and colleagues”, he shares. “They touched so many people and cancer took them both from us far too early. Mum was only 44 when she passed away and Dad was just 59”.
Martin’s Dad was a born sportsperson; an excellent rugby, football and tennis player and also a dab hand at squash and table tennis, while his Mum’s passion lay in supporting their local community and volunteering for various charities. Martin has clearly inherited both parents’ strengths and qualities – putting them to great use in this year’s challenge!
“Macmillan were incredible during their illnesses, supporting our whole family so wonderfully”, Martin tells me. “Without them I’m not sure how any of us would have been able to keep going, and I wanted to give something back to help others in the same position”.
Tough trials
Having taken the decision to undertake the challenge just last September, Martin wasted no time at all in committing himself to planning the year-long schedule of events. Some months are still in the planning, but next up is a 12-hour session of circuit training on 16 February, followed by pickleball on 29 March and badminton on 26 April.
I ask him what does he think will be the hardest challenge? “I am slightly dreading the 12-hour circuit training in February”, he reveals, “as I haven’t really been a regular at the gym for about 15 years! The running one is going to be hard, but it’s likely the football challenge on 24 May is going to be the toughest. 5-a-side football is hard at the best of times but 12 hours straight up! I dread to imagine what my feet will look like at the end. Plus, gathering together enough people to play and support could also be tricky!”
Moral support
Martin would love as many people as possible to join in with his challenges or even just come along and offer their support. “Having people involved is going to make or break these challenges”, he enthuses, “and if anyone is able to come and join in, that would be fantastic”.
And into the future? Does Martin have any further fundraising plans? “Never say never”, he smiles, “I have fundraised often and always for Macmillan. I’ve taken part in two 100-mile bike rides and a 12-hour tennis match as well as many runs, walks and sporting events over the years. However, this is my biggest challenge yet so I may need to keep 2026 a little quieter to allow my aching body a chance to recover!”
For full details of Martin’s challenges email him on ferretbadger@gmail.com or find out more on his fundraising page here.
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