Lewes runner takes on 24-hour treadmill charity challenge

The challenge began at midday on Saturday, September 12, and formed part of an emergency fundraising appeal for flood-hit communities in Nepal.

The runner, Didz, aimed to cover 105 miles - equivalent to roughly four marathons - while inviting reflection, conversation and support for the crisis.

At the end of the run, he slept beside his installation, which evoked the Nepalese landscape and symbolised the shared exhaustion of ultra running and the suffering of those affected by the floods.

The event, held at The Soap Factory on the Lewes Phoenix Estate, supported Doctors for Nepal, a UK charity founded by Sussex doctor Kate Yarrow to improve healthcare in remote areas of Nepal through medical scholarships and direct support.

The run formed part of a September Artwave exhibition by the 204 1/2 arts collective and was designed to raise funds and awareness following flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.

The disaster, triggered by a major landslide, destroyed homes, bridges and roads, leaving at least 5,000 people missing.

Dr Kate Yarrow with Dr Lalit who became the first Doctors for Nepal doctor and is the first consultant obstetrician gynaecologist from his remote district. (Image: DfN)

Doctors for Nepal launched an emergency appeal to fund urgent medical support for affected communities.

This week they are sending a team of medics to deliver necessary supplies to women and newly born infants who are particularly vulnerable in the current conditions.

Later this month, the charity plans to run a health camp in a flood-affected village, providing face-to-face medical care for up to 2,000 people.

The 24-hour treadmill run was both a test of endurance and an act of creative expression.

The charity’s emergency appeal remains open at doctorsfornepal.org/emergency-appeal-nepal-flash-floods.

A talk was held at the venue at 6pm on Saturday.

Dr Yarrow and Didz addressed the audience, with Didz speaking while running.

Doctors for Nepal continues to call for donations to sustain its emergency response.