Haverhill runners raise thousands in 1,000 mile charity challenge in honour of Neil Mustoe
Residents have ‘smashed’ a charity challenge to run 1,000 miles in 48 hours in memory of the late sports coach, Neil Mustoe, who died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year at the age of 52.
From Friday to Sunday at Haverhill Rugby Club, hundreds of people from the town’s community ran and walked laps around the course in an effort to raise funds for a research project at King’s College Hospital looking at cures for MND.
The event raised £4,047 for the project and the challenge’s 1,000-mile goal was reached by Saturday evening – but the fundraisers kept going and finished with a total of 1664 miles completed.
Organiser Kelly Feeney said: “I’m just in shock – I’m so happy with how it all went.
“Neil would have been amazed and I know if he was here he would have been out there alongside us.
“It was a massive ask, but we did it. The community in Haverhill absolutely pulled it out of the bag and smashed it.”
The money was raised through donations on a JustGiving page as well as a barbecue and charity raffle including prizes such as Amazon vouchers, a horse riding experience and a weekend caravan break at The Orchards in Clacton-on-Sea.
One stand-out participant was ultra-runnner James Seager, 46, who ran for 24 hours straight and covered a total of 81 miles during the event.
James, who lives in Lawshall near Bury St Edmunds, did not know Neil personally, but said he chose to run to inspire his sons that ‘anything is possible’.
He said: “I’ve always been a sucker for a challenge and when I read about this I just really wanted to get involved.
“I have known people over years who have had MND and that was a big reason why I did it – and to show my boys that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Another highlight was from Tony Sherritt who was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago.
Tony, with the support of his friends and family, was able to complete four miles from with within his wheelchair.
Kelly and the rest of the team, including Dave Greenham, Neil’s sister Rachel Martin, Ross Arnold and Neil’s partner Helen George, are keen to run a similar event next year.
