Cardiff company boosts 737 Challenge

Richard Parks has been given a welcome boost on the next leg of his 737 Challenge thanks to the input of Cardiff-based orthotics company, Ace – Feet in Motion, on Sanatorium Road.

Richard Parks 737 Challenge

Richard is attempting to climb the seven highest peaks on each of the world’s continents, as well as voyaging the last degree to the south and geographical poles – all in a world record-breaking sevens months.

His 737 Challenge is raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.Now, thanks to specialist insoles  made by Ace – Feet in Motion, Richard will have the ultimate in support and comfort as he deals with the rough and varied terrain on the next leg of his challenge.

Currently on Mount Everest, the 7th leg of his 9-leg race, he hopes to summit the world’s highest peak later this month, and then aims to tackle Denali in Alaska, and Mount Elbrus in Russia, the final leg of his mammoth expedition.

Ace – Feet in Motion, is accustomed to fitting both orthotics (corrective insoles) and running shoes for running enthusiasts, to ensure maximum performance at all times.

Andrew James, clinical director at Ace, says.

“The foot is a very complex mechanism involving 26 bones and 33 joints, but we take the correct function of the foot for granted – until something goes wrong, at which point, it can affect the entire body.

“Incorrect biomechanical foot function is a common cause of many sports injuries such as shin splints, knee, ankle, back and hip pain.”

“Understandably, though, people tend not to make the connection between knee or back pain and their feet, and tend to treat the symptoms rather than the cause.”

“However, problems in the feet can be avoided by fitting athletes with the correct footwear, and, if required, orthotics,  from the outset, as in the case of Richard Parks.”

So far, Richard has reached the South Pole, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in South America, Africa’s Kilimanjaro, and Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Australasia and the Geographic North Pole.

Richard is delighted with his orthotics.

“The degree of comfort they are giving me is awesome,” he says. “I am on my feet 8-10 hours a day and have been pretty much constantly on my feet since December so comfort has been essential.  I can concentrate on climbing, skiing or trekking without worrying about pain or excessive wear and tear.  My orthotics are fantastic and I wouldn’t be without them.”