'Super-fit' Diss local Alan Carter to run 200 miles in honour of friend's child Callum

A seasoned runner from the Diss area is set to break out of his comfort zone and run 200 miles in honour of a friend's child.

'Super-fit' Alan Carter, 46, plans to jog 50 miles per day through Suffolk and Norfolk to raise money for Callum Doe, who died on August 2020.

Starting from his home in Mellis, his journey will take him through Wortham Ling, the Angles Way, and Knettishall Heath.

His route then diverts through Hunstanton, before running across the north Norfolk coast passing Great Yarmouth before returning home.

Alan, who is a joiner by trade, said: “This challenge is a fair bit beyond my comfort zone and I’m not going to be too strict in terms of rules.

“It’s about raising money for charity and it doesn’t really matter how I do it.

“Getting round will be hard enough and it’ll be particularly tough at the start of each day. It’ll be a case of pigeon steps, walking and then breaking into a run."

Alan's odyssey begins on September 15.

He will be raising funds in memory of Callum, who was diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour in 2018.

Callum, the son of Alan's close friend Ian, was being treated at The Nook, a hospice in Framlingham owned by East Anglian Children's Hospices (EACH).

Following surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible and two rounds of radiotherapy, he passed away.

Alan revealed he is nervous now but will be pleased with himself should he manage to complete it.

Running in aid of a good cause is likely to keep him going, he added.

Ian and Alan used to cycle together, and Alan decided to raise money for the charity, being inspired by Callum's story.

This is not his first run in aid of the charity.

Alan completed a 77-mile run through Norfolk's Angle's Way in 2020 that raised £2,645.

Ian cycled alongside him, carrying water and energy gels.

He has agreed to meet his partner, Ruth, and daughter, Scarlett, at the halfway point.

Various running clubs, such as clubs, Rickinghall Runners, Diss Athletics Club and Suffolk Trail Runners, have also offered their support.

To prepare, he has run a total of 1,150 miles this year, including a 103 mile marathon along the Essex and Suffolk coasts.
He said: “Friends have offered to come and run alongside me for some sections, which will be a huge morale-boost.

“I know from experience that time stretches out on these long runs.

“A mile can seem like five at times, but having someone alongside you reverses that. It’s brilliant."