Blog. Fly on the Run

Here at Hospitality Action we are always in awe of our amazing supporters, from swimming the Channel to rowing the West Coast of Scotland, we are bowled over by the heroic acts of those who want to support the wider hospitality community.

One such dedicated supporter is Will "Fly" Palmer who, to celebrate his 40th birthday, decided to undertake a whopping 40 marathons in 365 days in aid of Hospitality Action. Will has already raised over £7,000 and we can't thank him enough!

We spoke to Will ahead of his sixth marathon, the Devon Coast Challenge Woolacombe, this weekend to learn a little more about his epic challenge and the inspiration behind it.

Tell us about yourself and your time in hospitality.  

I am a 40 year old restaurateur who started off in hotels in Bristol and ended up in London via a brief stint in The Solomon Islands. I co own The 10 Cases and Parsons restaurants and Drop Wine app with my best mate Ian.

Why do you think the hospitality industry needs a charity like Hospitality Action?

I do not think that the hospitality industry has ever had the support and attention that it deserves and merits. It enriches so many of our lives on such a regular basis and yet there are so many issues within it that go unnoticed and require our attention. The events of the last year have obviously brought this to light and exacerbated it and it is thankfully now more at the forefront of people's minds. We desperately need organisations such as HA, more than ever, to help people get back on their feet whether it be through financial aid or help with physical illness or health issues. The hospitality industry is so crucial to so many people and gives so much joy to millions.  We want to make sure that is always the case.

What inspired you to run 40 marathons in 365 days?

I love to run. I always have. I am also bloody stubborn and love a challenge. Having never run an official marathon in my life, my goal was to run 40 on turning 40. Having worked in restaurants for almost half my life and seen and experienced the devastating consequences the last year has had, this is my very small way of helping and giving back to an industry that has given so much to me.