Runner is forced to pull out of charity race as pal completes 108 mile course

Friends Stuart Webb of Wisbech and friend David Kerridge have been training since last autumn in preparation for the challenging Cotswolds 100 mile run, which took place over four days at the weekend.

But within 12 miles on the first day Mr Kerridge (44) was forced to quit before being out by a hospital after his hands swelled up and he suffered pains down his arms.

“He was bitterly disappointed and felt he let me down, but you can’t take chances with your health,” said Mr webb (38), who helps run the family newsagents in Leverington.

Mr Webb managed to complete the run and hopes his efforts will have helped raise over £7,000 for the pair’s chosen charity Clic Sargent.

They had already passed the £5,000 mark earlier this month thanks to sponsorship and other fundraising events, including a successful tea and cakes afternoon.

Stuart wanted to support Clic Sargent after his two-year-old daughter Ellie was given the cancer all-clear shortly after she was born.

He said: “When she was born she had a bump behind her ear and after many tests and a lot of worry we were given the all-clear we so desperately wanted. But we met other parents whose children weren’t so lucky and it made us want to give something back to help others.”

Mr Webb , who took up running two years ago, plans to tackle new challenges for charity in the future.

“The run was really tough, in fact the last 10 miles was the hardest 10 miles of my life, but it gave me a great sense of achievement. I don’t think I’ll do the Cotswolds run again, but I will certainly look at doing something else,” said Webb, who is now preparing for the last fundraising event for Clic Sargent, a golf day on Sunday.

The event, which is open to anyone interested, is being held at Tydd Gote golf course and costs £30 per entry, which includes breakfast, 18-holes of golf and an evening meal. To join in contact Mr Webb on: 07710143764.

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/thestupidly