Ollie Riley, a 29-year-old personal trainer at PureGym in Folkestone, is set to run 14 marathons in 14 consecutive days across Italy this August to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of his close friend Richie Chance, who died from a rare cancer in May.
366-Mile Tribute to a Friend
The solo expedition covers 366 miles (590 km) and is dedicated to Chance, whom Riley described as a vibrant and loyal presence. “Like so many others, I lost someone I loved far too soon,” Riley said. “But the thing about Richie wasn’t just the way he fought. It was the way he lived.”
Riley recalled that they shared few photographs together. “Not because we weren’t close, but because we were always too busy living in the moment. As I train for this challenge, I’m reminded that the memories we made are worth far more than any photograph.”
Inside Joke Fuels the Run
To get through the inevitable exhaustion, Riley plans to rely on a long-standing inside joke about his chronic lateness. “We used to meet regularly for coffee, and there was one small problem: I was almost never on time,” he said. “Richie would already be there, coffee in hand, while I’d roll in late, looking half-awake. Without fail, I’d be greeted by that familiar grin and him asking, ‘Hello my boy... what’s the story this time?’ The truth is, I was always keeping him waiting. This time, though, I’ll be on time.”
Physical Toll a Small Price
Riley acknowledges that in the Italian heat, with heavy blisters and mental fatigue, his legs will be “screaming to stop”. However, he views the physical toll as insignificant compared to what his friend endured. “Compared to what Richie went through, running another mile seems insignificant,” Riley said. “I’m doing this because cancer affects far too many families, because research gives hope, and because people like Richie deserve to be remembered not for how they died, but for how they lived.”
Support from Royal Marsden Charity
All proceeds from the 14-day challenge will go directly toward funding pioneering clinical trials and patient care at the Royal Marsden. Mari-Louise White, head of community fundraising at The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said: “Thank you so much to Oliver for taking on this incredible challenge. It is thanks to supporters like him that we are able to help ensure the world-leading nurses, doctors and research teams at The Royal Marsden can provide the very best care and develop new treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world.”
Challenge Dates and Donations
Ollie will take on his challenge from August 1 to 14. To follow his training progress or to make a donation to his 366-mile challenge, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/14in14for-richie.
