Ian McAllister plans ultra runs to raise funds for GNAAS

Ian McAllister, from Choppington, is raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service through a series of running events to mark his 50th birthday— including the 100-mile Pilgrims Ultra taking place in September.

Mr McAllister is running in memory of his nephew, Guy Comber, who died in 2013.

Guy Comber (Image: Supplied)

He said: “Living in a rural area, I see time and time again how important the requirement for an air ambulance service is.

“When my nephew, Guy, needed to get to hospital urgently it was actually the Sea King from nearby RAF Boulmer that transported him, but since this service has been disbanded the requirement for an air ambulance service is more important than ever.”

Guy, just eight years old when he died, is remembered as “a cheeky, smiley character” who adored his older brothers, rugby, and life on the farm.

Ian McAllister with his dog (Image: Supplied)

Mr McAllister said: “He lived, breathed, ate, slept, and dreamt of farming.

“Even at a tiny age, he’d be wandering around the stack yard in his John Deere boiler suit checking on the cattle.”

This is not Mr McAllister’s first tribute in Guy’s memory.

Ian McAllister with his running number (Image: Supplied)

In 2016, he marked his 40th birthday by running 400 competitive miles, raising £1,773 for the Newcastle Healthcare Charity.

That challenge included two ultra-distance events of 65 and 30 miles, five marathons, two duathlons, 11 half-marathons, a 10km race, and six park runs.

A decade later, and after three ankle reconstructions, Mr McAllister is pushing himself further than ever.

(Image: Supplied)

The Pilgrims’ Ultra follows the full length of St Oswald’s Way, finishing at Chollerford, with a 30-hour cut-off time.

When asked why he chose such a demanding goal, Mr McAllister replied: “To see if I can.”

He is also taking part in a range of other events, including the Bamburgh Half Marathon, Kingdom of Northumbria Ultra, Allendale Challenge, and the Priory Ultra.

Mr McAllister said: “Once the donations and good luck messages come in, it motivates me to want to continue.”

He has set a fundraising target of £500 for GNAAS.