A GROUP of life-long best friends ran a phenomenal 100 kilometres along the Jurassic coast to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Although this year’s official Jurassic Coast Challenge fundraiser was cancelled, Steven Gay, 38, who lives in Weymouth, and Yeovil residents Shane Green and Neil Parsons, both also 38, decided they would go ahead with the run under their own steam to raise funds for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The trio were motivated to take on the mammoth challenge because Steven’s step daughter Aleesha Southam, 14, is currently recovering from leukaemia having had a bone marrow transplant.

Steven ran the entire 100km but unfortunately due to an injury Shane had to cut the race short. Incredibly, Neil - who originally only planned to run ten miles, and had never run further than six miles before - ended up running the last 26 miles with Steven.

The trio, who all work for Leonardo Helicopters, raised a grand total of £1,300 - thanks to a strong show of support from Steven’s fiancée, Emma Southam, who helped with pain relief, first aid, food and water.

Emma said: “My daughter Aleesha was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in October last year. She spent months at a time receiving chemotherapy in hospital and I was fortunate to be able to stay nearby in the CLIC Sargent ‘Home from Home’ Jean’s House.

“Over Christmas Aleesha’s two sisters and Steve were also able to stay so we could spend time as a family, and I was also able to stay in the Bristol Home from Home during her bone marrow transplant.

“I’m so pleased we’re able to help other young cancer patients and their families.”

Shane Green said: “The Jurassic coast challenge was cancelled but that wasn’t going to stop us on our mission.”

The gruelling race took the runners from 5am until just after 9pm to complete.

Emma added: “Steve managed to complete the whole thing with some kind of strength he didn’t know he had. I’m so incredibly proud of them all.”

Liz Blunt, local fundraising engagement manager for CLIC Sargent, said: “We are so grateful to Emma, Steve, Shane and Neil for taking on such an amazing challenge. I’m so pleased to hear Aleesha is doing well and that CLIC Sargent was able to help. Covid-19 has had a dramatic impact on fundraising - we are expecting a £9 million shortfall so we’re very grateful to supporters.”

To donate visit www.clicsargent.org.uk