Gary completes epic challenge

England Athletics chair Gary Shaughnessy has joined an inspirational group of intrepid adventurers after successfully completing his ‘Marble Arch to Arc de Triomphe’ four-day challenge.

From running 83-miles between London to Dover, rowing 23-miles across the English channel to France, and cycling the remaining 185-miles to Paris, Gary has become one of less than 50 people ever to have accomplished this incredible journey.

During the challenge, Gary and various members of his support team encountered all types of weather, from sunshine and rising temperatures to wind, rain and even hail at times.

The challenge has seen Gary, who is also chair of Parkinson’s UK, break through the £25,000 total fundraising donations achieved so far for this charity, an amount that will be matched by the Zurich Community Trust.

“It’s really wonderful,” said Gary, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016. “Thank you to everyone for their support. Thank you for all the messages of goodwill. And thanks to the team who have been absolutely superb.”

Gary, who is a member of Tadley Runners, managed to get through the days despite having just four-hours sleep at times.

From all of us at England Athletics, we’d like to say a huge congratulation and well done to Gary and his team on completing his inspirational challenge.

To re-live Gary’s remarkable journey, see his video updates – and to donate to the amazing cause – visit Gary Shaughnessy fundraising for Parkinson’s UK (justgiving.com)