'I won't quit': Tenacious scaffolder continues mammoth 860-mile charity run despite A&E visit
A determined man is running the length of the country despite facing increasing challenges
Charlie Chandler, is currently on his second week of running the equivalent of two marathons a day as he continues his 860-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for the Amelia-Mae Foundation.
The 34-year-old started the arduous route on Sunday, May 10, with plans to wind up at the finish line on May 24 - but unprecedented hurdles have put pay to this.
The update, which was posted on the charity’s social media, said: “After everything he’s been through, he is still determined to get back out there in the morning. The original 16 day target is no longer possible, but one thing hasn’t changed… he is finishing this.
“Right now, more than ever, Charlie needs your support. Whether that’s a donation, a comment, a share, or just a message to lift his spirits, it all matters. It all helps. And we will make sure he sees every bit of it before he sets off again tomorrow.”
Charlie wrote on his social media: “This was never going to be plain sailing and I was aware of that. One thing I won’t do is roll over and quit. All the time I believe in why I’m doing this and who I’m doing this for, I’m going to keep going. I don’t care about the days or how fast I can do it, it’s just flying that flag the whole way.”
The incredible Portsmouth man has already raised £8,239 for the foundation, which was established in July 2013 in memory of two-year-old Amelia-Mae, who was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in September 2012, before sadly dying ten months later.
The charity not only supports families impacted by the disease but it also has two holiday homes - one in Chichester and one Rhyl - to give people the chance to make memories with their loved ones.
Charlie is being supported by deputy chair of the foundation, Andy Bowie, who has spent the past year planning and plotting the route, with breaks every ten miles. He is currently following Charlie in his motorhome to ensure he remains safe while running.
“He rang me last year and said ‘I’ve got this wild idea and I don’t even know if it’s possible’. I’ve spent the last year planning it for him and plotting out breaks every ten miles, which is where we give him food and drink.
“We’ve had amazing support from Tyson Fury and Robbie Fowler - It’s quite emotional, there may have already been tears. I never thought anyone would do something like this for us. I didn’t even think it would be possible.”
Charlie has been joined by multiple friends who have ran alongside him at different points in the route to show their support, with one person completing the length of a marathon with a fridge strapped to his back.
Victoria Giles, Charlie’s mum, said: “I’m speechless that he’s doing it. He has done lots of fundraisers in the past. He’s gone to the Himalayas and climbed a mountain, he’s done Ben Nevis, the Seven Peaks - He’s amazing and I just want the whole world to know.
“I just can’t imagine what he is putting himself through, I’m so proud of him. My heart is bursting with pride because of what he’s doing.