This runner is tackling an incredible charity challenge

Fundraiser Scott Baker is tackling a 10k run every day '“ and he's doing it for 1,000 days.
Best of Wearside fundraiser charity runner, Scott Baker with mother ValBest of Wearside fundraiser charity runner, Scott Baker with mother Val
Best of Wearside fundraiser charity runner, Scott Baker with mother Val

The determined Seaham father-of-two has even gone running at midnight to make sure he keeps up his daily quota.

He has already amassed 425 runs and won’t be finished his mega-challenge on behalf of Target Ovarian Cancer until August next year.

Charity runner, Scott Baker.Charity runner, Scott Baker.
Charity runner, Scott Baker.
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But Scott has no intention of packing in because his astonishing effort is raising funds and awareness for the battle against overian cancer.

Scott, who is dad to Sam, 10, and Rosie, 12, becomes the latest nomination for this year’s Best of of Wearside Awards.

The nomination for the Durham County Council premises assistant said: “This achievement has been praised by much of the community and I am sure any of them will say the award is deserved.

“As I am sure you will agree, this is a great achievement so far. He has also raised around £1500 so far with much more to come. He is due to finish in August 2019.

Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.
Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.
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“I know this is a long time away but I have every confidence in him completing the task and what he has done is amazing.”

Scott began his challenge after his mum Val, 67, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. He said: “They caught it early. If they had not caught it when they did, it could have been a lot more serious. She still had to have quite a bit of chemotherapy but she is doing really well now.”

But Scott added: “We had never heard of this or knew any of the symptoms. Mum had a lump on her neck and got checked out and they found she had ovarian cancer.

“I thought we should raise awareness and funds.”

Charity runner, Scott Baker.Charity runner, Scott Baker.
Charity runner, Scott Baker.

Scott is closing in on the halfway mark of his mega challenge and admits he is sometimes doing two 10ks close to each other - one at 11pm on Saturday nights with a 15 minute break and then his Sunday run at midnight.

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He route takes him round the sights of Seaham and he admits he is loving it.

“I have not had any injuries so far. I have not even had any blisters.”

So far, he has raised around £1,500.

Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.
Best of Wearside entrant - charity runner Scott Baker.

To support Scott, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scott-baker1000.

Our sponsors for this year’s Best of Wearside awards are Gentoo as a partner sponsor and Stagecoach North East and Calsonic Kansei as category sponsors in the annual awards which look to reward outstanding people across Wearside and County Durham.

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Don’t worry if you have yet to put your own favourites in the running for honours. You can nominate right up until Wednesday, February 28.

After that, the panel of judges will meet to draw up this year’s shortlist of contenders.

All of those who make the shortlist will be invited to the final at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, March 15, where they will find out if they have won.

To nominate, just send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable.

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Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Also send the name of the person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

l Send all of that to Lynn Wild by no later than February 28. Email those entries to [email protected] or send them to Lynn Wild, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA.

The categories:

Local Hero.

Green Champion.

Student of the Year.

Fundraiser of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year.

Sporting Achievement.

Community Group.

Community Champion.

Child of Achievement.

Child of Courage.