Amol Randhawa, from Gravesend, was only 10 years old when his mother died from cancer, having spent her final days being cared for by the Ellenor Hospice in her hometown in Kent.

Now aged 30, with 170 parkruns completed (157 at Gravesend's Cyclopark parkrun) the keen and talented athlete decided to do something extraordinary to mark the 20th anniversary of his mum's passing, while raising funds for Ellenor Hospice.

Amol's best parkrun times are 17:26 at Sloughbottom in 2024 and 17:28 at Cyclopark in 2021 – where he has been the first finisher more than 60 times since 2020!

Describing his mother's care, Amol said: "In her final days, my mum was cared for by the incredible team at Ellenor Hospice, who provided her with outstanding care to ensure she was comfortable. The support they gave, not only to my mum but also to our family during that difficult time, is something I will never forget."

The "something extraordinary" Amol decided to do was run the length of England in 13 days. His route would take him from the most northerly town in England, Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland, to Land's End in Cornwall. That's 891 kilometres, at a daily average of nearly 70 kilometres, the equivalent of 14 parkruns every day!

Amol's marathon charity effort started on Friday, 13 August, and was successfully completed on Thursday, 28 August 2025. Amol was accompanied by family members, friends, and his all-important physiotherapist, Rolandas Mizgeris. At the time of writing, Amol has raised £35K, or 85%, of his £40K target on his JustGiving charity page.

As you would expect, this mighty effort from a runner with no ultra-distance background has not been without its trials and tribulations. On completing the run, Amol said: "In the final few miles of the challenge, I have been reflecting on the journey, and I am proud of what I have accomplished, despite wanting to quit on so many occasions."

Earlier in the run, Amol had told a BBC reporter: "It's just been an emotional rollercoaster. Some days I have highs, then other times it's just so low", describing the mental battle of injuries as: "being five kilometres into a day's run, with another 65 kilometres to go, and your ankle is already sore, or your knees are already sore. It's such a mental fight."

Lisa Crossland, senior community fundraising officer for Ellenor Hospice, said: "Amol's achievement has been nothing short of extraordinary – covering 891 kilometres in two weeks in memory of his mum. His journey has been about love, resilience, and giving back, and it will help us continue providing vital care here in Kent."

So, runABC South readers, can you help Amol reach his Fundraising target? If so, click here to donate. 

Photo courtesy of Amol Randhawa's JustGiving page