“An incredible achievement.”

The words of Linda O’Sullivan, CEO of the mental health charity, Dorset Mind.

She was speaking after marathon runner and running coach Pete Thompson successfully completed a challenge which saw him run 5km every hour – for 48 hours.

His limits were tested by extreme weather, below freezing temperatures, a lack of sleep and physical exhaustion.

But, showing true grit, he completed 48 parkruns in King’s Park, Bournemouth in just two days, driven by his determination to raise vital donations for Dorset Mind.

After his final 5km, Pete said: “I can’t quite describe how it feels to have finished this challenge.

“150 miles run over two days with less than 15 minutes sleep and more than £6,000 already raised for Dorset Mind.

“The support has been incredible and I genuinely could not have done this on my own.

“I never had to run one parkrun on my own and that says a lot about my wonderful friends, family and the running community.”

Pete is no stranger to running.

He’s a previous 2:25 marathon runner who went from running for times to running for causes.

And it’s not the first time Pete has raised money for Dorset Mind, a local charity close to his heart.

In 2017, he ran 44 marathons in 44 countries in 44 consecutive days and, in 2018, he ran the Tour de France in 68 days.

To date Pete has raised more than £50,000 for mental health charities, winning a national award for his efforts.

He attributes the success of his previous challenges to the support he received from family and friends.

Pete pictured with (left) Victoria Heeley, Dorset Mind’s Business Support Manager, and Marie-Clare Gale, Training Manager.

This time was no different as the challenge captured the imagination of everyone that supported him.

A borrowed campervan gave Pete a base and some shelter from the elements – and sleep when he could afford it.

Importantly, Pete ran every parkrun with other people, some travelling from as far as Bristol to run with him.

Managers from Dorset Mind and ambassador Ty Temel also ran with Pete, as did Bournemouth boxer Chris Billam-Smith, who went to school with the runner.

Linda, pictured left, who was appointed as Dorset Mind’s CEO in January, said: “This is such an incredible achievement that Pete should be congratulated for.

“We’re very proud of him and in awe of his dedication and determination to complete the challenge – even when it got extremely tough.

“We’re hugely grateful for Pete’s continued support.

“Not only has he raised a significant amount of donations, he managed to inspire our local community which, in turn, raises mental health awareness – something that we’re extremely passionate about.

“Financial support from exceptional people in our communities, like Pete, that create inventive fundraisers is also critical for us.

“They help us to fund life-changing support for those who need it.

“This is even more important after the mental impact of stress and trauma of the pandemic and lockdowns on people’s wellbeing.

“Well done to everyone involved – and a very special ‘thank you’ to Pete.”

Dr Andrew Mayers, pictured right, Patron at Dorset Mind and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, added: “I am truly grateful to Pete for enduring this epic effort to raise essential funds for us at Dorset Mind.

“It also further underlines the evidence about how activity can boost mental health.

“We can all do something about that.

“It does not need to be as extreme as what Pete has done; just a little more activity each day may be all it takes.

“A more active lifestyle can kick-start our wellbeing and promote better physical and mental health.”

To make a donation for Pete’s fundraising challenge, please click here.

Alternatively you can donate £10 by texting ‘PETESPARKRUNS’ to 70460.

• Dorset Mind delivers mental health education, training, and 1-2-1 and group support for adults and young people across Dorset.
• dorsetmind.uk