Two Tameside runners will cross the finish line tomorrow as they complete an incredible 192-mile cross country challenge.
Peter Gough and Liam Mellon embarked on the run across England along Wainwrights Way, which they are completing over the duration of ten days.
The local pair are raising funds for Purple Heart Wishes and have set up a GoFundMe which can be found through their blog, where they have been documenting their journey day by day.
Purple Heart Wishes is a charity which helps fulfil the wishes of adults with a terminal illness. The non-profit organisation was founded in 2016 by Susan Roughton following the passing of her daughter Lyndsey from a brain tumour.
On his blog, Pete explains: “Having lost my mum and brother in the last three years, it would have been nice to have done something for them, but it is great to be able to make a wish come true for somebody else now.”
After plenty of planning Peter and Liam set off on their run on August 25 and are due to complete their run at Robin Hood’s Bay tomorrow (Saturday) located in the North York Moors National.
They say the challenge has been tough in parts and they have suffered swollen ankles and sore feet as they tackle the extremely steep and winding terrain, but it has been very rewarding.
Pete added: “I have always wanted to do this as a run and was really glad when Liam said he would do it with me. We haven’t seen another runner on the route yet and according to all the places we’ve been, running it is rare.
“Most people do it in 16 days and include two rest days. We are doing it in 10 days without a rest day.”
However, they have met incredible generosity on their way. The landlady of The Black Bull (in Reeth) where the duo stayed provided them a free room and donated £55 to their fundraiser once she found out about their challenge.
Pete said: “Each ‘wish’ for Purple Heart costs about £500 so myself and Liam, on this run have raised enough for four wishes. These wishes will be for young adults with terminal illnesses. We have a GoFundMe page going with about £650 on it and we raised £1,400 in commercial sponsorship from Tameside businesses.”
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will allow the charity to continue granting wishes to those who need it most right now.
You can find out more about their challenge and donate below.
https://petesrunningdiary.wordpress.com/category/run-updates/
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