“The feeling of uselessness and sadness inspired me to do some fundraising” – super-fit Alan is taking on a 200-mile run in memory of Callum

A steely runner is striding out of his comfort zone and embarking on a monster 200-mile challenge in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Super-fit Alan Carter is taking on the mission in memory of Callum Doe, the son of a friend who died in August 2020. He plans to run 50 miles a day for four days, getting underway on 15^th September. His epic journey starts from his home in Mellis, before heading to Wortham Ling and then, via the Angles Way, to Knettishall Heath. He then plans to swap to the Peddars Way and run to Hunstanton, where he will pick up the North Norfolk Coastal Path. He will follow this around the coast to Great Yarmouth and return to Mellis along the Angles Way. “After that I’ll fall into bed and remain in the recovery position for about 12 hours, probably more,” joked Alan. “This challenge is a fair bit beyond my comfort zone and I’m not going to be too strict in terms of rules. “It’s about raising money for charity and it doesn’t really matter how I do it. “Getting round will be hard enough and it’ll be particularly tough at the start of each day. It’ll be a case of pigeon steps, walking and then breaking into a run. “It makes me nervous to think about it but I know I’ll be pleased with myself if I complete it. “It takes courage to attempt something like this and by asking for sponsorship, it will give me extra pressure and determination to keep moving when the going gets tough. “It would be embarrassing to have sponsors and not finish the whole run. “Because the run is too much to complete in a day, I’ll be carrying the things I need and have bought some of the lightest camping gear available.” Alan, 46, has a personal reason for supporting EACH and is good friends with Callum’s dad, Ian Doe. Thirteen-year-old Callum was diagnosed with an aggressive grade four brain tumour on Christmas Eve 2018. He had an operation to remove as much of it as safely possible, in addition to two rounds of radiotherapy, but died at The Nook, EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, in August 2020. Alan, a joiner by trade who has a fiancée, Ruth, and ten-year-old daughter, Scarlett, said: “I’ve become a big fan of EACH. “Other than its high street presence, I didn’t know anything about the charity until Callum and his family needed help and received care at The Nook. “It had such an impact and goodness knows how anyone copes without that support. “I used to cycle with Ian and, over the course of a year, we followed Callum’s story. “When he passed away, the feeling of uselessness and sadness inspired me to do some fundraising for EACH. “Ian always said what a great support the charity was to him, wife Michelle and daughter Abi. “They said the staff were so invested in them. It didn’t feel like they were at work – they just wanted to help.” Alan is no stranger to raising funds for EACH and completed another eye-watering run in October 2020. His Angles Way Challenge saw him complete the full length of the 77-mile footpath, starting in Great Yarmouth and heading south towards Lowestoft, ending at Knetishall Heath and taking in Bungay, Beccles and Diss. It was effectively three marathons in a row over mostly rough ground and he raised £2,645. Ian cycled alongside him, carrying water and energy gels. “It was a real team effort and definitely a day to remember,” said Alan. “Poor Ian. Not only did he have to keep me company all day and night, he also had to cycle 80 miles very slowly. It must have been torture for a fast cyclist like him, although he didn’t show it.” Alan plans to meet Ruth and Scarlett, both of whom recently completed EACH’s Norwich Bubble Rush, at the halfway point and has already received offers of support from his running clubs, Rickinghall Runners, Diss Athletics Club and Suffolk Trail Runners. He said: “Friends have offered to come and run alongside me for some sections, which will be a huge morale-boost. “I know from experience that time stretches out on these long runs. “A mile can seem like five at times, but having someone alongside you reverses that. It’s brilliant. “To prepare for this challenge, I’ve run 1,150 miles this year and follow a monthly training cycle which starts at 30 miles per week and builds to 60. Then the following month I start again with 30. “I also ran the Five Rivers Ultra run in May, which was 103 miles along the Essex and Suffolk coast. “I came eighth in 26 hours, which I was very happy with.” To sponsor Alan, head here. Image credits – EACH