A STUDENT from Basingstoke is on a mission to run 100km in one day in honour of his grandfather and to raise money for Cancer Research.
Peter Knowles, 18, is taking on the challenge of running from Putney Bridge in London, to Henley on Thames in just one day as part of the Thames Path Ultra Challenge in honour of his grandfather, who is bravely battling cancer.
Originally from Windsor, Peter currently studies T-Level business at BCoT, and has previously completed a significant charitable task, having fed 553 people by donating 211.5kg of food and supplies to the Basingstoke Foodbank at Christmas with funds he raised through entrepreneurial efforts.
Now, he is planning to take on a new challenge for personal reasons, in order to raise money for the cancer charity, Cancer Research UK.
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Peter said his grandad, Charlie Thorn, 81, from Overton "did lots of work within his community, especially in swimming," and now plans to honour him as he battles cancer.
He said: "I chose to take on this challenge to put myself through a place of extreme adversity, discomfort and pain in a controlled environment pushing my body past and mind beyond well beyond what was previously thought to be possible.
"Doing so to become a better, more capable person whilst raising money to help ensure those effected by the devastating impact and effect that cancer has on those effected."
he will participate in the challenge on Saturday, September 14.
Peter will run the 100km (62 miles) on Saturday, September 14, and will see him travel through Richmond, Hampton Court, Runnymede, and Windsor, before he makes his way along to a riverside finish line.
Peter started running at the beginning of this year, completing the Battersea Park half marathon on the first weekend of the year, followed by the Dorney Lake half marathon the next weekend.
He told the Gazette: "I’ve already raised £500 from various people I know which I am extremely grateful for, now I’d like expand my reach and gather support from anyone who would like to."
In preparation for this mammoth race, Peter has ran two marathons and two 50km ultramarathons.
He said: "One of which was a backyard ultramarathon, covering 4.167 miles with 750ft of elevation gain every hour on the hour through woodlands at night whilst wet through from the rain on the Faccombe Estate in Andover, all four of these runs took place whilst I was 17 years old.
"In addition to this, I’ve covered close to 1,000 miles for the year so far whilst dealing with injuries and other obstacles such as being a full-time student."
Peter explained how he has developed a taste for running, and will look to participate in more difficult events in the future, but for now, his sights are firmly set on completing the task at hand.
He said: "Currently, this Thames Path 100km is my main focus, however regardless of what I choose to do moving this is only the start.
"Some of the larger races that are appealing are Badwater 135, which is 135 miles through Death Valley, the hottest place on earth, and the world marathon challenge which includes seven marathons on all seven continents in seven consecutive days, but at a cost of close to £40,000.
"As of currently, the only other event I’ve got on the calendar is Brighton Marathon next April."
Driven by a belief that today’s society is becoming "too comfortable," Peter seeks to inspire others to embrace the uncomfortable and realise their untapped potential.
Readers can donate to Peter's cause by visiting justgiving.com/page/peters-long-run.
You can follow his journey by visiting his Facebook page @PeterKnowles.
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