Carnforth man's 68-mile run over 42 Lake District mountains in memory of close friend

Mark Davy, along with his cocker spaniel Frank and a support crew, completed the Bob Graham round - a 68-mile run over 42 of the highest mountains in the Lake District, taking in 27,000ft of ascent and descent (the same height as Everest).

In order to become part of the Bob Graham club, it must be completed under 24 hours - only one in three people who attempt it are successful, and only a handful of dogs have ever completed it

Mark, who lives in Carnforth with girlfriend Sarah Bates and their 12-week-old daughter Sage as well as Frank, had to undertake the ordeal at short notice after the new Lancashire coronavirus regulations meant his plans had to change.

But they still managed to complete the challenge in 22 hours 15 minutes.

Mark is raising money for the charity which looked after his friend Barbara Chadwick, who sadly passed away.

Trinity Hospice and Brian House Children's Hospice provide specialist palliative care to adults and children across the Fylde Coast and much needed support for their families.

Their services are available free of charge, but with limited government funding they need to raise more than £5m every year.

Mark was hoping to raise £1,000, and has already collected nearly £1,800.

Mark said: "I want to thank all of my support crew, between those who made it on the day and those who intended to, but couldn’t due to last minute change of date.

"I also want to thank my incredible girlfriend and mother to our newborn girl Sage for allowing us the time and opportunity to complete this incredible challenge.

"It was the best day I’ve ever had in the fells with sunrise over Blencathra, a cloud inversion that could be seen as far as the eye could see at the top of Hellvellyn, and most importantly the company of my best mate Frank (our cocker spaniel), and old and new friends joining to support me on my round. I couldn’t have done it without them!"

To sponsor Mark, go online here