Creswell man David completes epic 50k run for Bluebell Wood

David Freeman, 52, from Creswell, jokingly suggested the epic challenge to mark the 50th anniversary of his Barnsley-based employer Gist, little knowing what he was getting himself into.

Several months of training and a discarded running shoe on the big day later, David has completed his ambitious challenge and raised almost £2,000 for the North Anston hospice.

David, a grandfather of two who began casually running just 18-months ago, went all the way from Gist’s depot in Barnsley to their site in Staveley.

He said: “I just said it as a joke to be honest, but once I’d said it there was no getting out it.

"When I was about 40km into the run, I certainly questioned my wisdom.”

David started marathon training 14 weeks ahead of his February 1 challenge .

His previous best was 24 miles, so he knew the big day was going to take every ounce of energy he had.

He continued: “The air pocket on one of my trainers popped at around the 30km mark, so I had to borrow a shoe from my colleague who did the first stretch with me.

“So I ran the last 20km in odd shoes – I had my right shoe on and his left, which was actually a bit too big for me.

“During the last 10km I must admit I went to some dark places, but I made it in the end.”

David’s colleagues at Gist, where he’s worked for the past 25 years, were suitably impressed by his exhausting achievement.

He said: “Their support has been absolutely fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who has sponsored and got behind me.

“Bluebell Wood is such a fantastic cause and we’re all delighted to be supporting the charity for this milestone anniversary.”

Anna Gott, regional fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We take our hats off to David for absolutely smashing his challenge, and to do so wearing odd shoes makes it all the more impressive.”

For ways you can get active and support Bluebell Wood, click here.