Thatcham man completes 1,000 mile charity challenge in memory of his parents
A Thatcham man has completed an epic 1,000-mile challenge of a lifetime.
David Clyde, 57, has ‘crossed the finish line’ after running 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just five weeks in memory of his mum, who received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.
Two million steps later, he has raised more than £6,400 for the charity.
“It was tough, no question about it,” he said.
“On my longest day, I covered just short of 42 miles, mostly running, though there were certainly moments of walking and hobbling too. Even the shortest day was just shy of a marathon.”
Mr Clyde was spurred on to do the challenge after his father died in 2021. His mother died from cancer the following year.
She was cared for at Sue Ryder during the final months of her life.
Reflecting on the challenge, Mr Clyde, who started running half and full marathons in the mid-2000s, continued: “There were times when I was hurting and the weather wasn’t great.
“But there plenty of highs as well, including going over the border into Wales and then when I crossed over into Scotland, where my mum was from.
“It didn’t hit me straight away, but as I got further inland, I realised exactly what I was doing and who I was doing it for.
“You might have to work for it some days, but some of the views were stunning too.”
He also said the response from family and friends to his feat has been amazing.
“When I arrived back at work, cards were waiting for me, and updates and photos were around the office.
“I’ve had so many messages of support, and I haven’t even been able to catch up with all of my friends yet. It’s been quite overwhelming.”
He concluded: “I don’t know what’s next for me, but I certainly think I am due a break first.”
Sue Ryder community fundraiser Owen Chengun said of his achievement: “We are blown away by the enormity of a challenge like this and in absolute awe of what David has achieved.
“It’s thanks to incredible people like him, going the extra mile that we can continue to be there for people when it matters most, because we believe that no one should have to die or grieve alone.”
Visit https://shorturl.at/tKNuW to donate to Mr Clyde’s fundraising challenge