South Shields ultrarunner completes 130-mile non-stop coast-to-coast challenge from Whitehaven, raising over £3,000 for Dementia UK in honour of mum

Chris and his family, including mum Joan and wife Joanna

Chris Camps, 40, completed the gruelling challenge over two days without sleeping, starting in Whitehaven and finishing in South Shields stopping only to refuel at selected checkpoints along the way.

The coast-to-coast run has helped raise approximately £3,700 for leading dementia charity Dementia UK and the inspiration behind the challenge was Chris’ mum, Joan Champs, 68, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2020.

Despite facing struggles during the run, Chris battled on and was pushed to the finish line with support from friends and family.

Chris completed the run in honour of his mum, Joan who suffers from Dementia

He said: “This challenge was a massive one to undertake and required planning, timing and flexibility from all those that were willing to help out.

"I want to thank the following people who helped keep me going - Neil Allen, Michelle Hagan Adam Hodgson, Mark Hodgson, Tom Colquitt, Michelle Douglas, Gareth Richards, Luke Bidwell, Martin White, Lee Pattison, Paddy McShane,Darren Parks, Rachel Breheny, Glen Fraser, Dan Ocallaghan, Phil Hughes, Jonathan Gilroy, Paul Elsley, Paul Stewart, Steve Stewart, Reece Jefferson, Andrew Dorrian, Karl White, Michael Fairless, Katherine Stewart and Carl Mowatt.

"I also had three section managers at different points of the run to help with organising and transporting runners to and from places in order for them to be where they needed to be at the right time.

"Again these fantastic people gave up most of their weekend to help me get through this - Aaron Nicholls, Claire O'Callaghan and David Taylor.”

Chris’ wife Joanne also played a key role in supporting him during the run, meeting him at every checkpoint and being a rock for Chris when he was struggling.

Chris added: “Joanne was a rock throughout and gave me the strength to push through when I had nothing left to give. I was completely down and out, exhausted, broken and wanting to call it a day but she wouldn’t let me.”

After the run, despite feeling tired and fatigued, Chris celebrated his 40th birthday with his family and enjoyed a meal out as he recovered.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-camps5

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