AFTER 19 million steps, 22 pairs of trainers and 1000 days, Sunderland’s walking soldier has completed his epic challenge for Cancer Research UK.
David Ansell, 51, began his incredible fundraiser for Cancer Research UK on January 5th 2023 when he committed to walking 10 miles a day for 1,000 days.
The Regimental Training Warrant Officer with The Queen’s Own Yeomanry reservists, walked the last 10 miles of the challenge (Tuesday 30 September) starting and finishing the route at Chaplins on Stockton Road, a Sunderland business that has supported him throughout his journey.
Along the way he was welcomed pitch side at the Stadium of Light by Sunderland AFC and presented with a signed shirt from all the team.
Inspired by the loss of his father to lung cancer as well as work colleague and friend Lance Corporal Dean ‘Deano’ Ashworth, who died of oesophageal cancer at just 31-years-old, and family friend Chloe Pescod, David has become well known in the area for his fundraising efforts.
David, who’s based at Fenham Barracks in Newcastle, has become a familiar figure across the region, often spotted walking, or as he fondly calls it “shuffling,” between Newcastle and Sunderland. His daily presence has made him a recognisable part of the local landscape over the past few years.
He took on his first charity challenge in 2021, which saw him complete a half marathon every day for 365 days raising nearly £20,000.
He has now passed his target to raise a further £26,000 for Cancer Research UK (plus another Gift Aid), having walked 10,000 miles and burnt 2 million calories over two years, eight months and 26 days.
Over the course of the challenge, David has also earned recognition as a regional Pride of Britain finalist and a BBC Make A Difference Award nominee.
David, who was joined by his partner Denise for the final walk, said:
“I’m so proud to complete this challenge and am so grateful for the support I’ve received from family and friends and the community, especially Chaplins in Sunderland. Every step has been for those affected by cancer, and I hope my journey inspires others to take action.
“Nothing could have prepared me to see my dad go through cancer and die so quickly after diagnosis. It was devastating. Then to see Deano pass at such a young age. I didn’t need any other motivation to keep me going, but as each day went on I’d meet or hear about other people’s cancer and I was moved to dedicate a walking day to them.
“I hope I can encourage other people to make a difference and become a part of the solution to this devastating disease.”
David set off from Chaplins in Sunderland and his final route took him past the Stadium of Light, where he was welcomed pitch side and presented with a signed shirt. He then made his way through Cleadon, across to Whitburn, along the coastline to Seaburn, before returning to Chaplins to a packed crowd of family and friends.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, Lisa Millett, said:
“We’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK in the last 50 years but, with around 17,600 people diagnosed in the North East alone each year, we can’t stop there.
“That’s why supporters like David are vital to beating cancer one stride at a time. David’s determination is truly inspiring. To see him complete this walking challenge is incredible. He has kept going every day no matter what and is truly an inspiration to what you can achieve when you set my mind to it.
“His efforts will help fund vital research that saves lives. With nearly 1 in 2 people facing cancer in their lifetime, supporters like David make a real difference to those affected by this devastating disease. Together, we want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
