Ben Davis completes epic fundraising run around Yorkshire

Yorkshire fundraiser Ben Davis has completed an extraordinary mission today which has seen  him run right around the perimeter of the county to raise money for charity.

The #RunningYorkshire project has seen Ben run over 490 miles and take in 41,000ft of elevation which is more that Mount Everest. What’s more, he did it all with his camping equipment on his back!

He set off from South Bay in Scarborough on Wednesday 1 August and took in the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Dales, Humber Bridge and Spurn Point before returning to the exact same spot where he started on Saturday afternoon.

His 18-day trek saw him tackle landslides, fall in a river and scale the highest peak in Yorkshire as he ran the equivalent of a marathon a day. All that took an extraordinary toll on his body, but the 31 year old’s spirits were kept high by a whole host of amateur runners joining him for stints along the way.

The amazing support Ben has received has also seen him raise over £20,000 for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) which is dedicated to preventing male suicide – smashing his original £15,000 target.

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningyorkshire

Speaking immediately after completing his mammoth journey, Ben said: “I can’t believe I’ve actually done it and I’m totally elated. This has been such an adventure, way more than I ever anticipated. I’ve got so many memories from the run that will stay with me forever.

“To say it was tough is an understatement and I can’t really put into words how my body’s feeling. I underestimated the terrain in some places but I’m so thankful for all the amazing support I’ve received. The people that came out to join me on the route really helped keep me going and the amount of money I’ve been able to raise is just unbelievable. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s done so and I really hope it’ll make a difference.”

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, who supported Ben’s run, said: “What Ben has achieved over the last three weeks is truly remarkable and the toughness and determination he has shown is an inspiration to us all.

“Ben is a credit to our great county and I wholeheartedly congratulate him for not only completing this heroic challenge, but for also raising a vast amount of money for a hugely worthwhile cause.”

Simon Gunning, CEO of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), said: “We have been blown away by Ben’s #RunningYorkshire challenge. CALM relies on the dedication of our supporters in raising the funds that allow us to continue supporting men who are down or in crisis, and Ben’s approach to this challenge has epitomised everything that CALM is about.

“We’ve proudly watched him tick off the many miles while involving other members of the community in the journey and using this platform to share his own story. The energy Ben has shown towards suicide prevention is inspiring and we’re truly thankful.”

Jonathan Midwood, General Manager of Up & Running, who supplied Ben various pieces of kit, said: “I am in awe, total awe. As a runner myself I know what it is like to put myself on the line and feel the pain of pushing myself; this is a whole new level of determination and true Yorkshire grit! What is also more remarkable is that he has done it with a never-ending smile.  I am humbled by his running and his character. Well done Ben, you are a true star.”

For full information on the #RunningYorkshire project, visit www.runningyorkshire.com