Burnham-On-Sea runner Kevin Clements is in training to run from John’o’Groats to Lands End for charity in memory of a fellow runner who died recently.
Kevin is a member of Burnham Harriers running club, and is running to raise funds for Weston Hospice Care in memory of Shelia Baker.
Kevin will begin the run at John O’Groats on September 8th 2016. The full distance equates to 34 marathons in just over 40 days with 6 marathons a week and on the 7th day just a 10 miler to ‘have a break’.
Kevin will have a two-man support team, someone driving his work van and a friend cycling some of the miles for encouragement. He will be camping most evenings.
Kevin joined the Harriers a few years back and says he enjoys running, challenges and encouraging/helping others, becoming a leader and personal trainer for the club and its junior members.
“One of Burnham Harriers founders, Shelia Baker, was a figure head and ‘mother’ figure to all us Harriers. Unfortunately she passed away in January after a tough battle with lung and spin cancer,” he said.
“She spent her last three months in Weston Hospice, we were all devastated. I had always spoken to Shelia about my dream to run John’o’Groats to Lands End and she always encouraged me to just do it.”
“After her death I decided to listen to her advice, and I am taking time out of work and away from my family and funding the whole experience myelf, however I will be raising much valuable funds for Weston Hospice in Shelia’s memory and have called the run ‘Going the extra mile for Shelia’.
To support it, see www.justgiving.com/kevinclements2 or text giving.KCB49 to 70070 to donate £5.
Several fundraising events have been planned, with the first event on July 8th at the Ritz Social Club. They have donated the funds raised during their quiz evening to Kevin’s charity and we raised nearly £400.
Another quiz night is planned at the British Legion in Pawlett on Friday 2nd September at 8pm This will be charged at £1 per player, with teams of 4-6.
And a family fun day is also planned at Pawlett Pavilion on Monday 29th August from 2pm -6pm. It will also incorporate the Pawlet PLOD which is a 5k fun run (originally designed by Shelia).
Pictured: Kevin, pictured with Tracey Benton and well known local marathon runner Sue Nicholls, at their Burnham Harriers running base (pic Mike Lang)
