A HOTEL landlord’s fell dash has raised almost £2,000 to help fund further research into rare forms of cancer.
Dave Falconer, who owns and runs The Teesdale Hotel, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, says he is “chuffed” to not only have smashed his fundraising target, but to complete the gruelling Cronkley Fell Race last month in just one hour 55 minutes.
It was the sixth time keen runner Mr Falconer had taken part in the race and this year, at the suggestion of his friend and housekeeper at the hotel, Nancy Coll, the 57-year-old decided to try to raise £300 for Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, in memory of his late father John, who died in 2007 from a rare muscle cancer.
Despite injuries to both his ankles Mr Falconer managed to complete the race, which takes runners alongside Holwick Scar, through Upper Teesdale Nature Reserve, up and across Cronkley Fell to the River Tees – an ascent of 1800ft – before returning to Holwick, third in his age group.
He said: “If I hadn’t had been fundraising, I would probably not have done the race because I had two bad ankles.
“But I took a couple of painkillers beforehand and once I got over the light-headedness I relaxed into running. I managed to finish half way down the field and third in my class, only five minutes off my best recorded time, which wasn’t bad considering my ankles.
“In total I managed to raise £1,988.81 through the online fundraising page and sponsorship forms in the hotel.
“I was chuffed I managed to raise that much and it’s really all thanks to Nancy who made sure everyone knew about the fundraiser. She is an amazing fundraiser and she worked miracles. A big thanks to everyone else who supported me.”
Mr Falconer is keeping his online donation page open until the end of the month, hoping to top his target up to £2,000.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Mr Falconer’s challenge, should visit https://shorturl.at/3du8m.
