A city couple have survived an “epic” journey across 1,000 miles as they travelled the length of the country for causes close to their hearts.
Paul Saunders and Karen Doak, who live in Thorpe Hamlet, took on the Run Britannia challenge of 35 days of ultra-marathon running, from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The experienced runners had run ultra races before but wanted to take their experience a step further, with Paul saying it was a “battle of physical and mental fatigue” for them to conquer.
Paul, 51, works in marine engineering and Karen, 47, is a sports masseur – a trade which will have helped them survive their challenge.
READ MORE: The city supermarket feeding 5,000 people in need
Karen said the hardest part was how “relentless” it was, with “being up early every day” and “moving hotel every night” making it feel “non-stop”.
The couple, who are joint secretaries of the Tri-Anglia triathlon club, have raised more than £5,500 for their efforts so far, with Karen having a particularly personal motivation.
Her best friend Wendy has been diagnosed with the rare and serious disease pulmonary hypertension, which affects the heart and lungs, and is currently awaiting a lung transplant.
READ MORE: Anglia Square demolition plans prompt 22 city groups to hunt for new home
Karen says her friend has been “unbelievably brave” in dealing with her condition and, as a result, Karen wanted to raise money for Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK to “help others in the same situation as Wendy”.
Paul’s chosen charity is the Seafarers’ Charity, which supports the wellbeing of active and retired seafarers.
READ MORE: Success of Lanes Fayre brings estimated 25,000 people into Norwich
They started their journey on June 3, departing Land’s End in Cornwall and making their way up the west side of the country, following some of the UK's most famous trails and paths such as the South West Coast Path, the Clyde Walkway and West Highland Way.
After an almighty effort with rests only on Saturdays, they finally arrived at John O’Groats in Scotland on Friday, July 7.
You can support their causes at justgiving.com/team/paulandkarenrunbritannia2023.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here