Ed Coats’ 30 At 30

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Ed Coats’ 30 At 30

Dr Ed Coats celebrates his 30th birthday in unusual style… by challenging himself to take on 30 of the UK’s most gruelling challenges

Last year Ed joined fellow adventurers James Cracknell and Ben Fogle on an epic race to the South Pole that saw the trio undergo 12 months of specialist training, trek 473.6 miles on thin ice and battle with temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This year, the adventurous doctor is celebrating his 30^th birthday by challenging himself to take on 30 of the UK's toughest and most quirky events in 12 months.

Ed has already decided on the first 4 out of his 30 events, which include the Dartmoor Classic - 106-mile bike ride, and the Nokia Thames Swim - a two-mile swim down the River Thames. James Cracknell and Ben Fogle are expected to join him for one event each and Ed has also lined up Commonwealth Games gold-winning decathlete Dean Macey, Olympian Iwan Thomas, and Holby City actress Phoebe Thomas to lend a helping hand. The doctor of obstetrics and gynecology is hoping to raise £10,000 for Wellbeing for Women, which improves women's health through research, education and information, by completing these challenges and is asking members of the public to suggest events and even possibly join him for one of the challenges.

When asked about his plans Ed commented "going to the South Pole really opened my eyes to what there is out there in the world and given me itchy feet. I realised by going to Antarctica that I could achieve something I never believed I could. The feeling of completing something that you never thought possible is something else. This time around I want to do very challenging events but that are accessible to everyone. I would like people to let me know about any events and if they want to join me on one they should get in touch.

Many celebrate their 30^th birthday with a party of some sort, however it is evident that Ed is trying to motivate and inspire others around the UK to get active as he said "with London 2012 coming I think it's really important that people get out there and challenge themselves. Karina (his fiancé) is very supportive because she knows I'm happiest when I'm out there pushing myself and I think she's just glad that I'll be staying in the UK. I'm under starter's orders to get them all done by next May for the wedding [and] if as I hope the London Marathon is the last challenge then I will but we will have to see."

The next 12 months are certain to see Ed achieve some remarkable feats as he prepares to tackle whatever 30 challenges come his way. Be sure to keep up-to-date by checking back here for regular updates but for now... Good luck Ed!