Young carer to run length of UK for charity

Luke Wilkinson is aiming to run almost 50 miles a day from John O Groats to Land's End

A young carer plans to run the length of the UK to raise funds for charity inspired by health challenges faced by his parents.

Luke Wilkinson, from Sheffield, intends to complete the 874 mile (1,406km) journey from John O Groats to Land's End within 16 days.

During the pandemic, the 24-year-old became the sole carer for his father who died of brain cancer in 2020 and his mother, who has early onset dementia, and took up running as an "outlet".

He had initially hoped to raise £500 each for Alzheimer's Research UK, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the eating disorder charity Beat, but has already surpassed that target.

He intends to begin his challenge on 14 June and aims to finish in Cornwall on the 30 June, the day before his 25th birthday.

“It’s where my dad is from and where we used to go on holiday every year so there will be some lovely nostalgia," he said.

Mr Wilkinson said he is aiming to run almost 50 miles (80km) a day and will sleep in a rented camper van with a rolling support team on hand.

“I’ve got six groups of friends turning up to lift me up when I get grumpy at the end of the day and give me food when I’m hangry," he said.

Luke Wilkinson's mother Ruth was also diagnosed with early onset dementia

His parents' health meant Mr Wilkinson formed a bubble with them in Derbyshire during the coronavirus lockdown.

His father, Professor Iain Wilkinson's condition required a carer full time but restrictions made that difficult.

"I was 21 and a young carer," Mr Wilkinson said.

"My dad became immobile so I took him to the toilet and helped shower him.

"I did the cooking and cleaning. It was a weird dynamic that I never expected."

He also had to ensure his mother, now 58, was being looked after, having being diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Although she was capable of caring for herself physically, she was increasingly confused by the changing dynamic in the house, Mr Wilkinson said.

“Mum was unsure about the tension in the house and I was in the middle of it all so I just needed to get away sometimes," he added.

Professor Iain Wilkinson died of brain cancer in 2020

He said it was during his time that running became an "outlet".

“I couldn’t go to the gym so running seemed the obvious thing.

"I didn’t know what I was doing really. I just ran for five miles to clear my head and then I started running a bit further and a bit further."

Mr Wilkinson said caring for his parents had prepared him for any challenge including his fundraising run across the UK.

“I know I can get through tough situations," he said.

"All I’ve got to do is get up, run 80km, eat, rest and go again. That’s not so bad.”

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