A 63-year-old Bingley resident has crossed the finish line of a 268-mile ultramarathon as a tribute to his late wife.

Dave Stephenson tackled the Montane Winter Spine Race, billed as the nation’s most punishing endurance event, collecting funds for York Cancer Research.

He amassed over £4,700 for the organisation in remembrance of his wife Angie, who succumbed to a blood cancer four years prior.

Mr Stephenson and his wife shared 34 years together. When she received her multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2016, it caught the family completely off guard. Despite the devastating news, she remained upbeat throughout her illness for the sake of their children. She was a remarkable spouse and parent, and he thinks of her constantly. After discovering the work carried out by Yorkshire Cancer Research in the local area, she was eager for them to continue supporting the charity’s efforts. Cancer also claimed his own parents, making crossing the finish line particularly meaningful.

The gruelling event raises funds for the organisation, which backs pioneering research locally where, every quarter of an hour, a resident receives a cancer diagnosis. People living in this area face a higher risk of dying prematurely from cancer than those in nearly any other part of England. Yorkshire Cancer Research currently bankrolls £75 million of essential cancer research and services aimed at better preventing, identifying, diagnosing, and treating the disease throughout Yorkshire.

Mr Stephenson spent two years getting ready for the monumental challenge, building both the physical stamina and mental resilience needed to cover such a demanding course. He enjoys pitting himself against the elements and considers himself fortunate to still be capable of taking part in such events.

He accomplished the feat with backing from relatives and the Bingley Harriers & Athletics Club, collecting £4,735 and beating his initial target.

Mr Stephenson noted that the club members had been tremendously supportive throughout his life. The atmosphere there is warm and inclusive, and he appreciated all their contributions.

He mentioned that encouragement from his family proved essential during the event, particularly from his grandchildren. At various points along the route, he managed to video-call them. Seeing his family rooting for him from home provided tremendous motivation.