Doncaster man completes epic running challenge and raises hundreds for charity

A Doncaster man ran 874 miles in just six months to raise money for The Stroke Association in the name of his father who suffered from the life changing ailment just two weeks into his retirement.
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Dave Ward started to run the virtual Lands End to John O Groats in November of 2020.

The challenge gives runners a full year to complete the massive feat but Dave went one step further and ran the 874 miles in just six months.

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Dave, 46, from Armthorpe, said: “It has been fun but really tough.

Dave Ward, 47, from Armthorpe.Dave Ward, 47, from Armthorpe.
Dave Ward, 47, from Armthorpe.

“To end the challenge I set myself a 25 mile run on Saturday, May 22.

“I ran from my home in Doncaster all the way to Bramall Lane.”

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Dave is a Sheffield United fan and was lucky enough to be greeted by a few players when he crossed the finish line.

Dave finished off the challenge with a 25 mile run from Doncaster to Sheffield.Dave finished off the challenge with a 25 mile run from Doncaster to Sheffield.
Dave finished off the challenge with a 25 mile run from Doncaster to Sheffield.
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He managed to snap selfies with Aaron Ramsdale and Rhian Brewster.

“My goal was to finish it before my son's birthday on May 25, he continued.

“To get the miles in daily I have been running to and from work every day in all weathers.”

Dave has raised over £800 for The Stroke Association through his running challenge but wants to bump the final number up to match the number of miles run total.

Dave raised money for The Stroke Association for his Dad who has recently suffered from a stroke.Dave raised money for The Stroke Association for his Dad who has recently suffered from a stroke.
Dave raised money for The Stroke Association for his Dad who has recently suffered from a stroke.
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The charity is one close to Dave’s heart as his own father suffered from a stroke during lockdown.

“He worked all his life and just two weeks into his retirement he had a stroke,” Dave said.

“Because it happened during a lockdown we couldn’t go and visit him in hospital which was really hard.

“I needed something to focus my mind which is why I started running.”

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As well as the non stop exercise Dave also decided that he would not shave during the challenge.

He went 174 days without trimming his now long beard.

Dave is no stranger to extreme challenges and after a well deserved week off he has ambitions to start a virtual Route 66 run.

Which is a massive two and a half thousand miles.

You can donate to Dave’s cause here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.