Jersey man running length of Vietnam for charity

A man from Jersey has set out on an ambitious challenge to run the length of Vietnam to raise money for charity.

Cameron Taylor, who works in the Government of Jersey's London office, began the trek on 15 December 2024.

The 1,189 mile (1,915km) route will see him run from Vietnam's capital city Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh over the course of 61 days.

Mr Taylor is raising money for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, which he said he had the "utmost admiration for".

The 33-year-old's trek so far has not been without its challenges.

Running entirely self supported, Mr Taylor began his journey with all his belongings pulled along in a hiking trolley behind him.

Unfortunately, his "best friend" Dolly the Trolley experienced a series of mechanical failures within the first two weeks.

After completing 207 miles (334km), the ultra-marathon runner said goodbye to his wheeled companion and is now continuing the seven-week journey wearing only a rucksack.

"Back and shoulders were rather sore after my first day with the bag so it was slow going," he said.

"It's been the first day where I've had a few doubts creeping in.

"Why did I decide to do this? Will my lanky body hold up? Will I ever have a conversation with a human being that lasts more than 10 words ever again?"

Despite the "existential dread", the fundraiser has now received more than £2,000 in donations for MSF.

Mr Taylor said: "MSF provide emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics and natural or man-made disasters, without discrimination.

"I have the utmost admiration for anyone that chooses to become a doctor as a vocation that is solely based around helping others."

Mr Taylor has been running distances between 15 miles and 30 miles daily - through tunnels, along six-lane highways and even while "being chased by several aggressive guard dogs".

He crossed the 310-mile (500km) mark to ring in the New Year at Phong Nha, more than a quarter of the way through the challenge.

"My main priorities are hacking off this terrible beard and getting a haircut," he added.

"My New Year's resolution is clearly about being pampered."

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