This week, Jaime Laing took on a remarkable 150-mile ultra marathon from London to Salford, completing the five-day challenge and raising an incredible £2,053,835 for Comic Relief.
The Radio 1 DJ and reality star, who is 36 years old, was visibly emotional as he crossed the finish line, thanking everyone who contributed. “Thank you so much.
That is unbelievable! You’re changing lives. Thank you so much!” he said, choking back tears.
His impressive feat comes just months after his friend and former Made In Chelsea co-star, Spencer Matthews, undertook a similar challenge.
Spencer completed a jaw-dropping 30 marathons in 30 days in the extreme heat of the Jordanian desert, raising £511,870.46 for Global’s Make Some Noise appeal and entering the Guinness World Records for most marathon distances run on sand.
Jaime’s Training Journey
Jaime shared a glimpse into his preparation for the ultra marathon and revealed that, despite never having run a marathon before, he was committed to intense training.
“Towards the actual marathon I need to be running four hours a day, I’m also cycling and eating a lot of protein,” he explained.
Jaime described the training routine as “like a job before a job,” getting up at 6 a.m. every day to work out.
He also admitted that his wife, Sophie Habboo, wasn’t much help with the training, as she “hated running” but did assist by rubbing magnesium cream into his calves.
Spencer’s preparation for his grueling desert marathon was even more intense.
Not only did he run 30 kilometers every day, but he also spent time training in a heat chamber at London South Bank University, where temperatures reached up to 50°C with 20% humidity.
The chamber simulated the exact conditions of the desert, and Spencer documented his sessions on Instagram.
Despite facing many difficulties, including a torn IT band, Spencer pushed through and eventually trained his body to handle the extreme conditions.
Mental Health: A Driving Force for Jaime
For Jaime, the motivation behind his ultra marathon was deeply personal.
Having struggled with anxiety in the past, Jaime wanted to raise funds for mental health charities.
“It was a long way but it was an incredible journey,” he said after learning how much he had raised.
“One of my big things was about mental health, that money is going to save lives and help people, and I am beyond proud.”
Jaime had previously opened up about his anxiety on Good Morning Britain, sharing the harrowing experience of his first panic attack.
“You feel like you’re going to die,” he recalled, describing the overwhelming physical symptoms.
After years of struggling silently, he finally confided in his friend, Toby, who helped him face his anxiety head-on.
Jaime now advocates for others to speak up and seek help, particularly on World Mental Health Day, encouraging people to “keep knocking on the door” to check on their loved ones.
Spencer Matthews’ Emotional Motivation
For Spencer, his inspiration came from a deeply personal place.
He continues to honor the memory of his late brother, Michael Matthews, who tragically disappeared while attempting to scale Mount Everest in 1999.
Spencer shared that his late brother’s memory fueled his desire to complete the 786-mile desert challenge.
“Michael serves as an inspiration for me, especially when I do something like this,” Spencer said, explaining that the challenge helped him feel closer to his brother.
He also acknowledged how the journey allowed him to address the shame he once carried from his past struggles with addiction.
I’ve come from a place that I was quite ashamed of, and I think it’s fair to say I’ve never been more proud of myself than achieving this.”
A Shared Dedication to Overcoming Challenges
Both Jaime and Spencer’s stories are inspiring testaments to the power of determination and personal growth.
Whether it was Jaime’s battle with anxiety or Spencer’s journey to honor his brother, both men have faced significant obstacles and turned them into a source of strength.
As they continue to use their platforms to raise awareness for important causes, their stories remind us all that with the right support and mindset, we can push through even the most challenging moments.