William raises over £20K for PVRI in a 250km seven-day race across the desert in memory of his friend, Rupert Swift

Rupert Swift, a brave, bold, clever, charismatic young man who embraced life to the full, developed high altitude pulmonary oedema and 3 months later, was diagnosed with functional class 3 pulmonary hypertension. 

He was physically very active - rowing, playing rugby and enjoying other sports. He never allowed his illness to define him and was cheerful and stoical right up to his untimely death surrounded by his family and friends. 

In memory of Rupert, his friend William Barratt ran the Namib Ultramarathon on 28 April 2024, a 250km seven-day, six-stage race in Namibia to raise funds for PVRI. William raced by foot across the oldest desert and the largest dunes in the world. During the seven days, he experienced some of the most stunning and iconic desert landscapes. 

The course took William through amazing desert scenery including wide-open red plains, scattered mountain outcrops, huge expanses of dramatic sand dunes, moon-like landscape, Atlantic waves crashing against the sandy desert shoreline, and a fascinating array of plants and animals. And throughout the whole race, William carried everything he needed, around 12kgs, on his back! 

Through this incredible challenge, William raised over £20,000 for PVRI! Thank you, William and to everyone who supported him along the way.

Please donate to William’s fundraiser in support of his huge challenge and in memory of Rupert. All funds donated to the PVRI will be used to further lifesaving research globally on pulmonary hypertension. 

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