2025 marks 50 years of Les Amis and to mark their 50th Anniversary, the Les Amis staff and Service Users will emulate the journey of the charity's existence by running, walking or wheeling a 50-mile ultramarathon, one mile for every year that Les Amis has been active.
The aim is to raise awareness of the charity and fundraise for the construction costs of a new specialist nursing development: Project Trinity.
Alex Black, the Les Amis Facilities Manager, has been training for over 8 months to complete the entire route in one go. On October 5th, 2025, Alex will run the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon, then continue beyond the finish line, following a planned route past all the Les Amis homes, through Trinity and Gorey, before finishing at FB Fields. There he will run one final 400m lap of the track joined by the Les Amis Service Users.
We caught up with him to find out how his Ultra Marathon journey is going:
What inspired you to take on this 50-mile challenge for Les Amis’ 50th anniversary?
“The Les Amis service users are my inspiration for this event. Having the privilege to work alongside them, I see every day the effort that adults with learning disabilities and associated conditions need to go to with tasks most people take for granted. My hope is to push myself beyond what I am reasonably capable of in a bid to bring the spotlight towards Les Amis. They deserve it and will be taking part in this event in various ways; from manning checkpoints, running parts of the course alongside me, and being a pillar of support in the latter stages when I know I will need them!”
How did you first come up with the idea to tie the distance into the charity’s history?
“It made a lot of sense; especially as the past 50 years were not always straightforward. The charity has had a lot of ups and downs, like the course itself. It also only succeeded through the effort and support that everyone involved provided. In the same way that Les Amis (French for The Friends) helped each other over 50 years; I too will be calling upon them to support me on the way around 50 miles - one mile for every year!”
You’ve been training for over eight months – what has that journey been like?
“It’s been humbling and a wake-up call to how a few too many beers and tubes of Pringles can rapidly contribute to weight-gain and all-round poor health. I was previously very active and used the gyms at Fort Regent and Les Quennevais frequently; but, as I got older, I chose a more comfortable way of life that led to me cancelling my membership only to occasionally visit the pool.
When I started the ultra-training; at first, I could barely run 5km without dripping with sweat, I suffered DOMS for days afterwards and felt completely out of my depth.
I soon reaped the rewards of perseverance and re-joined the gym (this time Springfield) where I can focus on mobility, strength, and conditioning exercises to supplement the runs. I’m now comfortably running 20+ miles on my longer runs and have found that consistency has made things easier.”
What has been the toughest part of preparing for 50 miles, and what has kept you motivated?
“Once I had got my fitness back on track, the training became easier. In contrast, the hardest part has been the promotional aspect behind this event. We set ourselves a very ambitious fundraising target of £50,000. Meeting this target will be tough.
This money will go towards not only improving the current services operated by Les Amis; but also the furnishing and facilitation of the new end of life residence currently under construction in Trinity. The marketing work associated with encouraging donations has been tough, especially when money is tight for everyone during a financial crisis. It’s the need of the charity that has kept me motivated.
Les Amis is a non-profit organisation (NPO) and relies on grants, donations, and fundraising efforts to be able to provide safe, and secure homes and facilities for its service users to enjoy.”
Do you have any specific strategies or rituals you’ll rely on during the run to keep going?
“I received some positive advice from other local ultra-athletes including (Atlantic Rower) Peter Wright who told me to “count down the miles yet to go; rather than the miles already covered”.
James Hadley-Piggins (7 Marathons, in 7 days) told me when times got tough for him, he remembered “the why”.
I will likely use these ideas as strategies knowing that they worked for two, firmly established, local heroes! Otherwise, I’m expecting plenty of discomfort, tears, and grunting to get myself around the latter stages of the 50-mile course.”
Have you done any ultra marathons before?
“In short, No. In fact, when I ran the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon in 2019, I firmly assured myself that the box was ticked, and I never needed to run that far again! I struggled on that run and needed a good friend (Nick Hawkshaw) to push me along the front to the finish line at the weighbridge.
It’s only because of my love for the Les Amis Family that I want to do this again - and more. I’ll decide after October 5th whether there will be any more after that!”
Have you faced any challenges or setbacks along the way?
“Fundraising has been a particular challenge, not just for this campaign but generally for charities across the island in recent years. However, I have learnt that Jersey is a very generous island and it’s great to see how many people support Les Amis’ mission. I am truly grateful for all the donations that have been received and know that the lives of so many will be enhanced should we manage to meet the £50k fundraising target.”
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about running a marathon or an ultra-marathon for charity?
“The best advice I can give from a training perspective is to use the online programmes loosely. Not everything works for everyone. We are all built different and unique in our own ways. Use them for guidance but be ready to adapt them to suit your own needs.
As we say at Les Amis (black belts in inclusivity) the right support, at the right time!"
What will crossing the finish line mean to you?
“I am hoping that I can maintain a structured pace throughout the 50-miles so that I arrive at FB Fields the same time that the service users will be completing a lap of the course. The Les Amis Social Club will be running a ‘Sports Day’ style event during the day to ensure that there are activities for everyone at Les Amis, regardless of disability, to take part.
Finishing alongside them all will mean the absolute world to me. There is joy in abundance at Les Amis on a normal day; I am hoping that my elation at passing that finish line will magnify the smiles of the community we support. It should be special.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
“Please support me to support Les Amis. I’m pushing my limits for them because Les Amis isn’t just a charity. It’s a family. It’s about giving people the chance to live with independence, with purpose, and with happiness. With your donation, you will help Les Amis continue changing lives. One step. One mile. One person at a time.”
Donate to the incredible 50-mile challenge for Les Amis’ 50th anniversary here
About Les Amis:
Les Amis has been supporting and empowering adults with learning disabilities and/or associated conditions since 1975. Les Amis aims to provide a full range of services as diverse as the requirements of their clients. Their houses provide a homely environment where residents feel empowered to express themselves, with encouragement and support that helps them make real choices that affect their lives.