Fundraiser to run length of Chesterfield Canal and back dressed as Scooby Doo

A runner will take on the 46-mile length of the Chesterfield Canal and back to raise funds for the trust which looks after the historic waterway.
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David Smith, a member of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, aims to complete the 92 miles from Chesterfield to the River Trent and back in under 24 hours – all while dressed as cartoon character Scooby Doo.

He is raising money for the trust’s 2027 Appeal Fund, which aims to complete the restoration of the canal to mark the 250th anniversary of its opening.

David Smith has previously donned his Scooby costume to raise money for baby charity SANDS.David Smith has previously donned his Scooby costume to raise money for baby charity SANDS.
David Smith has previously donned his Scooby costume to raise money for baby charity SANDS.
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David is no stranger to long-distance running, having completed challenges for a number of good causes, but found his fundraising brought to a halt by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Over the weeks of lockdown the canal has become a vital resource allowing walkers and cyclists to experience its beauty as they exercise,” David said.

"It's important we ensure the brilliant efforts of the trust volunteers are allowed to continue so the canal can be fully restored for even more people to enjoy."

David will set off from Chesterfield on the afternoon of August 29 and after running along the towpath through the night, will be aiming to get back early on the Sunday afternoon.

David Smith and his wife.David Smith and his wife.
David Smith and his wife.
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Trust publicity officer Rod Auton said: “We were blown away when David got in touch with this incredible proposal.

"A few people have walked the full length of the canal in about 16 hours, but to run it there and back in a day is mind-boggling.

"We hope that the public will get behind David and contribute to our 2027 Appeal. It would be fantastic to see boats sailing into Chesterfield having come all the way from the River Trent.”

David has previously donned his running shoes to raise funds for Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospicecare and the MS Society, as his wife has MS.

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In 2014, David’s grandson was stillborn and this spurred him on to fundraise money for two babies’ charities – SANDS and Tommy's.

He has competed in events from 5km to 400km, raising £100,000 in the process.

Visit the Chesterfield Canal Trust website to sponsor David.

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