A charity runner who lost out to the lockdown with his plan to mark 2020 by running 202.0 miles in races is on course to double his fundraising target after completing an even bigger effort.
Elliott Tate switched his focus to the 2.6 Challenge and has now completed a 26-mile run to raise money for the Daisy Appeal in memory of his grandfather, Bert Purdy, who died of cancer last year after a 16-year battle.
Elliott’s initial target of £750 was quickly overtaken after he announced plans for his alternative run and with more than £1,200 already pledged to his JustGiving page the 27-year-old is hoping to double his money.
He said:
I was really surprised by the response. I didn’t expect to raise that much money. I really appreciate it and my Grandma is very pleased that we have raised so much to help the place where my Grandad was treated.
The run was a big effort and a lot tougher than I expected but I’ve been recovering slowly and I’m building myself up gradually so I’ll be ready for the races when they are able to start.
Elliott, who comes from Bilton, studied at South Holderness Technology College before graduating in Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield. He now works as an auditor in London for Crowe LLP and completed the run in the parks and countryside near his home in Westcroft, Milton Keynes.
He broke the 26-mile route down to smaller sections to adhere to lockdown restrictions and completing it in a total of 4 hours 40 minutes.
He said:
I’ve been working from home so the running is a good escape and gets me out of the flat. I’m still going to do the challenge when the races start again. Hopefully it won’t be too long.
“I haven’t been able to see my family but we’re in contact by phone and they’ve told me about people we know supporting the appeal and donating to my page.
Claire Levy, Fundraiser at the Daisy Appeal, said:
We’re so grateful to Elliott and his family and friends for supporting our campaign and we hope his considerable efforts will inspire others to join in – whether it’s with a run or something less strenuous!
To support Elliott’s run please visit https://bit.ly/ElliotTateJustGivingDaisy