Hull musician Will Dooley, 29, has completed a ten day endurance and fundraising challenge combining long distance running with nightly live performances. Between 7 - 15 August, Will ran 133 miles from Liverpool to Hull and performed 11 gigs, including two in Warrington, to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of his friend David, who died of cancer aged 18.
The fundraiser currently stands at £5,360, with a target of £10,000 as Will prepares to release a three part documentary about the project.
The concept for Miles2Mic can be traced back to a spontaneous decision Will made after attending an Oasis concert at Heaton Park. He attempted to run home to South Manchester, taking several wrong turns before completing the final stretch by taxi due to a dying phone battery. It was during the taxi ride, the idea of combining running and music formed.
Will's friend, David Kay who the challenge and fundraiser are in memory of
Will had long intended to undertake a project in David’s memory that involved both music and Teenage Cancer Trust. Although the idea did not immediately materialise, it remained a future goal. Earlier this year, he decided the time to act had arrived. For Will, the challenge also serves as a way to preserve David’s story. He says "David may not be alive to tell his story, but for as long as I live I will continue to tell of his caring nature, his humility and his bravery even in his final moments in our world".
Will completed the 10 day challenge at Paddy Mangans in Hull and says "There's always such a large emphasis on the completion of something - everyone loves a ribbon at the finish line. In all honesty, I was just happy to stop and have a well deserved pint. For me, the feeling came in the hardest moments where I felt closer to David than I have done in years, feeling a presence run alongside me when the miles got too much. I used to talk to him all the time just after his death, These moments grew less in frequency to the point where years passed. That all changed after the first few days where with each step as my body grew tired my spirit grew stronger. I was on the verge of tears at times and at the time I did cry, but it felt like a needed release that I couldn't have had any other way".
Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist support for young people undergoing cancer treatment across the UK. Funds raised contribute directly to improving patient wellbeing and supporting clinical teams working on dedicated teenage and young adult cancer wards. The fundraiser remains open as Will and his team prepare to release a three part documentary covering the full challenge. The aim is to reach £10,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Follow the link to donate to Will's fundraiser: Will Dooley is fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust or follow his Instagram @willdooleyofficial