AFTER clocking up 1.8 million steps and wearing out three pairs of trainers, David Ansell has passed the first major milestone in a unique challenge.
The soldier from Sunderland, who has pledged to walk or ‘shuffle’ 10 miles per day for 1,000 days to raise money for Cancer Research UK, has completed his first 100 days.
Since setting off on his daily hike on 5 January, David has taken 1,864,093 steps over 219 hours and nine minutes and has burned 224,343 calories – leading to him shedding 2st 4lb.
Most importantly for the dedicated fundraiser, he has already raised more than £1,600 for Cancer Research UK for vital research.
For his 100th day, David was joined by his partner Denise and friends Jonathan and Luan Lathan. Setting off from Sunderland, they headed north and took a circular route returning via Whitburn.
Since starting his challenge, David, who walks or ‘shuffles’ – a pace between a walk and a run – has been encouraged by people who stop to say hello, often after spotting his Cancer Research UK T-shirt.
“People stop me all the time to ask what I’m doing,” said David. “When I tell them it’s for 1,000 days, they don’t usually realise that means more than two-and-a-half years.
“The support has been great and I hope to raise a lot more money over the months.”
The Sqn Training Warrant Officer, who serves with The Queen’s Own Yeomanry reservists in Newcastle, is known for his first charity challenge, for which he completed a half marathon every day for 365 days, raising more than £18,500 for Cancer Research UK.
He is due to finish his 1,000 days walkathon in September 2025.
David’s fundraising is inspired by his late dad, also David, who died of lung cancer in 2020.
Losing friend and colleague Dean Ashworth to oesophageal cancer and family friend Chloe Pescod has provided him with even more impetus.
To sponsor David visit his fundraising page here
