Watford man takes on 900-mile running challenge in memory of friend
Dan Bourne took on the challenge to raise funds for a hospice which supported his friend with end-of-life care
A Watford man has completed an extraordinary challenge to run the entire length of the United Kingdom, raising thousands of pounds for the Peace Hospice in memory of his late friend.
Daniel Bourne, a personal trainer from Watford, set out to run from John O’Groats in the very north of Scotland to Land’s End at the tip of Cornwall in just 29 days – covering more than 30 miles a day, the equivalent of a marathon daily.
The run is in tribute to his friend and colleague, Bradley Dunning, who died of bowel cancer in March 2023. Bradley spent his final weeks at Peace Hospice Care in Watford.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Dan Bourne said: “Peace Hospice Watford looked after my friend in his last couple of weeks. They put on his wedding ceremony and just made sure he was looked after in his final week. So I’m doing it for Peace Hospice Watford. We managed to raise £18,000 so far, which is amazing.”
Mr Bourne described Bradley Dunning as both a mentor and a close friend. “I started work as a personal trainer at the age of 16 and he was about 10 years older than me and sort of took me under his wing for the first ten years of my employment. He was just the guy that helped me through it. I feel like I owe a lot to him, so I thought I’d keep his memory alive by doing stuff like this.”
The challenge has tested Mr Bourne’s limits. He spent eight months in preparation, building up stamina and adjusting his diet to around 6,500 calories a day.
The first ten days were the hardest, as he battled storm conditions in Scotland. “I don’t think I would have been able to speak to you then,” he admitted. “But my body has adjusted to the pain and my heart rate has come down a significant amount.”
Alongside fundraising, the journey has also highlighted the beauty of the UK, and the people he met along the way.
Mr Bourne said the Lake District and parts of Cornwall had been particular highlights: “It’s opened my eyes up – it is a beautiful country.”
The run has received strong community support. Strangers have travelled hours to cheer him on, while others have donated after spotting the QR code on his camper van. “It’s been absolutely overwhelming,” he said. “It just makes you proud to be British.”
Family and friends were at Land’s End to celebrate his final steps, with Mr Bourne admitting he is looking forward to a well-earned rest.
Peace Hospice Care provides free support for adults and children with life-limiting illnesses in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Bourne urged anyone who can to donate to support him in his challenge, and help the hospice.