SUNDERLAND soldier David Ansell is only days into his 1,000-day challenge for Cancer Research UK but has already been overwhelmed with support.
David hit the headlines after announcing he would walk or shuffle – a pace between a walk and a run – 10 miles every day until September 2025, to raise money for the charity, completing a total of 10,000 miles.
Since his story was featured in the media, David has been stopped by two car drivers who spotted him on his daily hike and pulled over so that they could hand him £10 notes.
Colleagues have given money or made pledges and David’s fundraising total has already topped £350.
“I’m feeling good and my legs are feeling fine,” he said.
“Motivation for me is people cheering me on, saying ‘well done, keep going, you’re doing brilliantly’ and when people come up to me on the street.
“Everyone at work has been brilliant and supportive.”
David has already raised more than £18,500 for Cancer Research UK, with a headline-grabbing challenge to complete a half marathon every day for 365 days. He also completed the Great North Run and the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK.
The Sqn Training Warrant Officer, who serves with The Queen’s Own Yeomanry reservists in Newcastle, has been inspired by his dad, who died of lung cancer in 2020, his friend and work colleague Dean Ashworth, who died of oesophageal cancer in October 2020 and family friend Chloe Pescod, who underwent a heart transplant and was later diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoma disorder for which she is receiving treatment.
David is due to finish his challenge on September 30, 2025.
