Challenge is a perfect ten for two Macmillan fundraisers

Tim Dart and his mate Derek Pearce plan to take part in 10 runs of 10 kilometres each over 10 months to raise up to £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

Both aged 30, Tim, of Dunstall Crescent, Bishop’s Tachbrook, and Derek, of Cheltenham, decided to mark entering their third decade bytaking part in a challenge.

So far they’ve clocked up runs in Wakefield, Southampton and on Sunday took part in the Royal Berkshire 10k in Reading.

But it’s closer to home ground where Tim reckons they will face their most gruelling task when they take part in the Two Castles Run, from Warwick to Kenilworth, on June 14.

Tim said: “The Two Castles is said to be one of the hardest in the country because a lot of it is uphill.

“We’ve had specially printed green T-shirts with all the run dates on and we’d love people to come out and cheer us on.”

Taking part in a challenge was originally Derek’s idea, but Tim said: “I did the Plymouth run to see how I got on with it and then said I would do the 10:10:10 challenge with Derek.”

And apart from a few blisters, Tim is feeling the healthiest since he left university and has already lost one stone and is determined to finish the challenge.

“Even if I get injured I will walk them to finish because we’ve had so much support and we’re raising money for such a good cause.”

Tim’s personal best is 52 minutes and six seconds and he hopes to get that to below 50 minutes when he finishes the Bristol 10k on May 31.

The pair originally set a fundraising target of £1,000 but are confident they can easily pass that with donations already pledged.

And Npower, where Tim works in generation revenue reporting dealing with energy suppliers such as wind and
 solar farms, has pleadged £500.

While his wife Clair’s employer, Foy Wealth, of Stratford, has also pledged £500.

People can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/del-tim-challenge/ and follow their progress at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Del-and-Tims-101010-Challenge/605678989567121