Friends smash world record in honour of dad
FOUR friends from Reading have broken a world record, raising funds for Sport in Mind.
Peter Crocombe, Liam Bendell, Gus Barton, and Jack Mayhew have run the length of Britain on foot in just six days.
The team, called the Mental Miles, set the world record time for the feat after running in memory of Peter’s father, Paul Crocombe.
Paul, who was described as an inspiring teacher and talented sportsman, lost his battle with mental health in 2020.
To honour him, the team ran in a non-stop relay from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising more than £35,000 for the mental health charity Sport in Mind.
This is nearly double their original goal of £20,000, which would have provided enough to give support to 3,000 young people for a year through the charity.
Peter Crocombe said he is overcome with the amount of support Mental Miles has received.
“The team and I are so incredibly grateful for all the support shown to us on the road, and via donations.
“It really has been overwhelming. “To take on this challenge as part of a team of friends, with all the ups and downs that a task of this magnitude entails, it’s safe to say that we are now brothers for life.”
Finishing well ahead of their schedule on Friday, April 1 at 1:27PM, the team managed to climb over 44,000 feet during their journey.
They ran in consecutive, solo 90-minute shifts around the clock
Mr Crocombe said: “There were a few challenges along the way, including illness and a snowstorm, but not once did this detract from our goal.
“Together, we set a world record (with plenty of time to spare) and
we’ve raised more than we could possibly imagine, and the donations keep rolling in.
“We want to wish a big thank you to everyone who’s supported us, it really does mean the world.”
Sport In Mind is the leading mental health sports charity in the UK, formed in Reading and working with the NHS to support those experiencing mental health problems through sports and physical activity.