Burnham-On-Sea runner Kevin Clements is holding a fundraising event today (Monday) as he prepares a charity run from John’o’Groats to Lands End 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 Burnham resident 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’.
A family fun day is being held today at Pawlett Pavilion from 2pm-6pm when all will be welcome. There will be a tomboloa, barbecue, vouncy castle, raffle and stalls plus children’s games.
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.
A quiz night is also 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.
Pictured: Kevin, pictured with Tracey Benton and well known local marathon runner Sue Nicholls, at their Burnham Harriers running base (pic Mike Lang)
