Marathon man Ed's emotional homecoming

West Berkshire man stops off at home village as he nears end of epic challenge

THIS was the moment West Berkshire’s ‘marathon man’ made an emotional return to the place he calls home.

Edward Beresford-Bolton looks set to defy the cynics and the odds as today (Thursday) he is just two days away from completing his ambitious challenge to run the equivalent of 34 marathons in 34 days to raise money for the Macular Society.

Last week Mr Beresford-Bolton, who recovered his sight after being told he would go blind, got a hero’s welcome as he passed through Stanford Dingley during his gruelling 1,200-mile charity run from John O’Groats to Lands End.

Mr Beresford-Bolton developed a macular condition five years ago and was told he would lose his eyesight, but, after two years of treatment, he recovered his sight.

Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News on Tuesday, he said: “It was amazing. I never expected anywhere near as many people – it felt like the whole village was there to greet me and that was a very special moment.

“My emotions are running really high as I’m so tired and I must admit it was very emotional coming back home.”

Mr Beresford-Bolton has been running up to 10 hours a day every day for a month and says the physical, mental and emotional drain is starting to take its toll on his body.

He said: “My legs are in constant pain and I haven’t had a full night’s sleep the whole time because of it. I have cold baths and had to apply ice to my muscles and take painkillers to get through it.

“There are times when I didn’t think I could carry on. I knew it would be physically and mentally draining, but it’s the emotional side I hadn’t expected.

“It can be a very lonely and isolated place when you are running by yourself for 10 hours a day.

“You become detached from the world. That’s why coming back through Stanford Dingley was great, it really gave me a boost and put a spring in my step.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who turned out to give me their support. It’s been overwhelming.

“I’m nearly at the finish line now which is good because I don’t think my body can take much more.”

The married telecoms contractor began his epic run at John O’Groats in Scotland on September 21 with the goal of reaching Land’s End by October 26.

His wife Natalie has been helping him on his journey where she can, travelling from their home in Stanford Dingley to John O’Groats and all points in between.

Mr Beresford-Bolton paid tribute to her, saying: “Nat has been amazing and a huge support and without her I would not have been able to do this.

“I’m hugely grateful for everything she’s done.”

The justgiving page set up for the challenge has so far raised more than £11,000 for the Macular Society and other donations have reached almost £30,000.

To donate to Mr Beresford-Bolton, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFund raiserProfilePage.action?user Url=34marathons