Mansfield man Dave completes amazing endurance challenge

Dave Wilkinson, from Mansfield Woodhouse, who served with the Royal Signals, did 250 laps of the running track at Berry Hill Park in his rugby wheelchair in 11.5 hours.

He had already done 100 kilometres earlier in June, so has completed 200 kilometres in total.

Andy Abrahams, Mayor of Mansfield, and Coun John Smart, the council’s armed forces champion, were there to cheer Dave on as he crossed the finish line.

Dave smashed his £1,000 fundraising target by raising more than £1,550 (about £1,800 including gift aid) for the Royal Signals Charity, which supports serving and former Royal Signals soldiers and their families.

The charity supported Dave after he had to have his lower leg amputated and he wanted to give something back.Dave said: “The first 50 laps and the last 50 laps were the toughest and my arms felt like lead afterwards because of the strong winds.

“I am truly humbled by everyone’s generosity, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, friends and members of the public who sponsored me.“Thank you to the council for letting me use the running track and in particular to the Mayor and Coun Smart for their support on the day and to parks development officer Andy Chambers for helping to make it possible.”

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