Assa Marra

In this episode of “Assa Marra,” we’re chuffed to welcome Oliver Hodgson, a reet inspiring young entrepreneur from Whitehaven, Cumbria. At just 16, Oliver left school and, undeterred by traditional paths, founded Platinum Live, a creative communications agency that’s gone from strength to strength. Now in his early 20s, he’s garnered national recognition, including being named the North West’s You...

In Episode 3 of “Assa Marra,” I'm absolutely thrilled to chat with Richard Askwith, the acclaimed author behind Feet in the Clouds. This book dives deep into the exhilarating world of fell running, capturing the essence of the sport, its challenges as well as its hero’s . Touching on the Bob Graham Round—a legendary fell running challenge in the Lake District - this gruelling 66-mile circuit over...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Assa Marra, where we’re celebrating two proper West Cumbrian legends—Gary McKee, the ‘Marathon Man’ from Cleator Moor who ran 365 marathons in a year, and Gary Graham, better known as Gary Mankini, originally from Whitehaven. Gary McKee’s graft and determination have inspired folk round here, while Gary Mankini brings a bit of craic and daftness with his antics, including h...

Welcome to the first episode of Assa Marra, coming to you from Cleator Moor High Street—a place full of graft, grit, and good yammer. It’s the perfect spot to kick things off, as it’s where my husband, John, and his childhood marra, Gary McKee, grew up on Eheb Road. Gary’s a proper legend round there—our very own ‘Marathon Man’ who ran 365 marathons in a year. A feat like that takes more than just...