Burton runner reaches halfway mark in year-long “No Days Off” challenge

Aldi manager Dave Cotton has now run more than 698 miles in just six months as he continues his mission to raise money and awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Back in January, the InBurton Insider introduced readers to Burton-born Aldi store manager Dave Cotton and his ambitious “No Days Off” challenge -  running 5K every single day for a year in support of Teenage Cancer Trust.

Now, nearly six months later, Dave is approaching the halfway point of the challenge - and somehow still hasn’t found a convincing excuse to stay on the sofa.

Friday 29th May marks day 182 of the year-long fundraiser, with Dave having already covered an astonishing 1,124 kilometres -  or 698 miles - since starting on 1st January.

Most of those miles have been logged around Burton and Stretton, although the challenge has also followed him abroad. Even while on holiday in Palma Nova, Dave kept the streak alive with early morning runs.

As he puts it: “No days off, not even on holiday.”

That commitment has meant running through rain, snow, wind and heat over the past six months, proving that British weather is apparently less powerful than sheer stubbornness.

Along the way, Dave has also managed to improve his running times, recently achieving one of his personal goals by breaking the 20-minute barrier for a 5K -  a major milestone for many runners.

The challenge is not only about fitness, though. Dave launched the fundraiser to support Teenage Cancer Trust and help raise awareness of the charity’s work supporting young people facing cancer diagnoses.

So far, the campaign has raised £2,270 through JustGiving - reaching 45 per cent of the £5,000 target with half the challenge still remaining.

Dave says one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been the support from local people, with residents recognising him while out running and customers regularly asking how the challenge is going in store. He said the encouragement from colleagues has also played a huge role in keeping him motivated.

Dave has even taken the challenge onto the pitch at Derby County, completing runs both during a matchday half-time appearance and again a few days later.

With another six months still to go, Dave’s challenge is showing no signs of slowing down - even if his trainers probably are.

You can donate to Dave's cause via his JustGiving page or keep in touch with Dave's progress on his Facebook page.