A KEYNSHAM man has completed a 150-mile run in memory of his best friend.
Aaron Close, 27, ran from Westminster to the New Inn at Keynsham to raise money for Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA).
Aaron said he was “inseparable” from his childhood friend, Luke Allen, who died in a roofing accident in Bristol in 2018 despite the efforts of a GWAA crew at the scene.
“It never really kicked in what we were doing until we were at the finishing line – it was such a morale booster to see how many people were backing us to get this run finished,” said Aaron.
Two other friends, Robbie Dury and Joel Milhofer, took part in the 72-hour run along National Cycling Route 4, with rests along the way.
Aaron added: “Everywhere we went people were really kind. We had free hotel stays and access to their gyms and spas. The boys who were in the support van were so helpful, running from point to point. It made it a lot easier for us.”
Matthew Simmonds, another close friend of Luke, travelled in the van to document the journey and keep the team hydrated and healthy.
Matthew said: “The run went perfectly and donations were beyond our expectations.”
The run, from March 12 and 14, has raised more than £14,000 for GWAA.
Family and friends of Luke have raised more than £27,000 since his death.
His parents and sister Holly decided to donate every penny to GWAAC under a dedicated section of the charity called the Luke Allen Sycamore Fund.
The plan is to reach £30,000 by Luke’s 30th birthday on May 3 this year. To donate to the run, go to justgiving.com and search for ‘London to Bristol 150 Mile Ultra’ or ‘Matthew Simmonds’.
Pictured above, Aaron Close (centre) and his co-runners are cheered as they reach the finish line at the New Inn, Keynsham Photos: Jekyll Photography
