Sunderland soldier walks for 500 days - and he will walk 500 more

Sunderland’s walking soldier has reached the halfway point of his 1,000-day fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK.

David Ansell, 49, a regimental training warrant officer with The Queen’s Own Yeomanry reservists, began his latest fundraiser on January 5, 2023 when he set off to walk 10 miles a day for 1,000 days for the charity.

He has now been walking for 500 days and, as the song says, he will walk 500 more.

David became known for his first charity challenge in 2021, when he completed a half marathon every day for 365 days, raising nearly £20,000.

He has been inspired by his father David, who died of lung cancer just two weeks into his first challenge, as well as work colleague and friend Lance Corporal Dean ‘Deano’ Ashworth, who died of oesophageal cancer at just 31 and family friend Chloe Pescod.

Since taking on the challenge, which he aims to complete on September 30, 2025, he has covered 5,000 miles, taken 9.2million steps and burnt a million calories.

His challenge will take two years, eight months, three weeks and five days.

David is based at Fenham Barracks in Newcastle and can be seen regularly walking or as he calls it shuffling, between the two cities.

He said: “So far I have raised nearly £12,000 and have also had generous contributions of trainers to keep me going. I’ve already walked my way through 10 pairs.

“Nothing could prepare me to see my dad go through cancer and die so quickly after diagnosis. It was devastating. Then to see Deano pass at such a young age.

“I don’t need any other motivation to keep me going, but as each day goes on I hear about other people’s cancer battles and I’m moved to dedicate a walking day to them.”

In recognition of his efforts David was a regional fundraiser of the year finalist for the Pride of Britain awards in 2021 and has now been shortlisted for a BBC Make A Difference Award.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, Lisa Millett, said: “To see David reach this milestone is brilliant. He keeps going every day no matter what and is truly an inspiration.”

To sponsor David, click on his Cancer Research UK page.