Local teen runs 500 miles in 80 days for local cancer research

Will O’Connor, 18, from Market Harborough ran 500 miles in 80 days this summer to raise money for the local cancer research charity, Hope Against Cancer.

In the build up to summer, Will knew that he wanted to make his post A-Level summer count. He told us that “he wanted to do something meaningful, something purposeful”.

Will met Hope Against Cancer through his employer, FatFace, who were fundraising for the charity. Someone suggested that he took on a running event like a tough-mudder, but Will wanted to do something that was just his.

He chose to run 500 miles in 80 days.

This year’s summer was hot. Britain saw heatwave after heatwave but that didn’t stop Will! Nor did a two-week holiday to Turkey where he continued to run, covering 100km in 35-degree heat.

When asked if there was anything unexpected that he had learned about himself, Will responded that he had discovered the true difference between the theory of discipline and discipline in action. There were days when he had to force himself to get out and run.

What kept him going alongside his discipline was his driver. The knowledge that cancer is a universal challenge, a disease that affects everyone.

He received a great deal of support from his family and friends and online, including congratulations and encouragement from the celebrity Joe Wicks.

With such support, Will became utterly determined to get it done and to hit the next target, both in terms of miles and his fundraising.

In doing so he found the experience to be a stepping stone in his life, he had built a resilience that will always be a part of him and the knowledge that he can do anything he sets his mind to.

Will’s message to anyone considering their own charity challenge was simply, “do it”!

He is a strong believer in the idea that it is better to live a life of ‘oh wells’ than ‘what ifs’.

Jon Frost, Head of Community Partnerships at Hope Against Cancer, said, “What Will has achieved is so inspiring to all of us here at Hope against Cancer. He has raised over £4000 and the impact of his achievement will help support local people with cancer and those beyond.

“On a personal level, to meet a young man with such dedication, drive and compassion reminded us all what a difference each of us can make in our own way.”

You can learn more about Hope Against Cancer at hopeagainstcancer.org.uk