AN ANDOVER dad and his friend took on a enormous challenge as they attempted to complete 10 marathons.

Geoff Barnes and Tim Ellams staged ‘The Big Run’ on October 5 to 7 at the Andover Athletic Club.

The event continued the pair’s mission to raise funds in memory of Geoff’s daughter Georgie who had Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare and severely disabling type of epilepsy - and Georgie had to endure prolonged seizures and take an array of medication.

After a period of tough times for the family, Georgie went through six months without a seizure. However at the age of three she died on November 24, 2017, of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Since, Geoff and Tim have been embarking on some extraordinary challenges including The National Three Peaks Challenge and various distance races including most recently the Simplyhealth Great North Run and the Winchester Half Marathon.

The Big Run was the first event they hosted themselves, a family centric endurance event with an ambition for the pair to cover 262 miles around the track in just 44 hours.

Supported by Simplyhealth, The Big Run was officially started by Georgie’s big sister Gracie, assisted by Andover town deputy mayor Councillor Mick Mumford on Friday, October 5.

But by the Saturday afternoon Geoff and Tim were struggling with injuries which were exacerbated by the plummeting temperatures.

It was decided that both runners would come off the track to receive much-needed medical treatment.

The pair said “a massive thank you” to the supporters who showed their “unwavering support” despite the terrible weather.

Within a few hours Tim was back on the track nursing a knee injury and Geoff soon followed, struggling with excruciating pain in his thighs.

On Sunday children filled the track as they took part in a 1km and 2km fun run which were hailed a “great success”.

All the youngsters received a medal, certificate and goodie bag for finishing.

During the weekend there was also fun for all the family including children’s entertainment, a bouncy castle and a raffle.

Lucky winners scooped some prizes including a Mustang driving experience and two tickets for the British Touring Car Championsship thanks to Thruxton Racing.

But amongst all the delight, at 2pm on Sunday an exhausted Geoff and Tim crossed the finishing line having achieved 121 miles.

The pair say they were despondent that the weather and injury kept them from reaching their goal but both runners said: “There’s always next year.”

The challenge raised over £5,000 so far, bringing the current fundraising total to more than £8,800, with donations rolling in every day.

Following Geoff and Tim’s year of raising money the funds will be donated in memory of Georgie for three organisations that were pivotal during her life: Adventure Pre-School, Dravet UK and Naomi House.

To find out more and donate, go to forgeorgie.org.uk .