Oliver Bentsen decided to run an ultramarathon while fundraising after his dad was diagnosed with amyloidosis in July 2023.
Amyloidosis is caused by a build-up of abnormal protein fibres, which can lead to life-threatening organ failure. Donations to the Royal Free Charity support the research, development, and patients of the National Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free Hospital.
Oliver explained: “I decided to find something that could make a positive impact – good for my dad, for the charity and the hospital supporting him. I wanted to recreate my own battle in a way as he is going through a battle now.”
He completed an incredible 100km in 16.5 hours as part of the Hoka Canyons Endurance Run, which has 12,000ft elevation gain and a 15,000ft elevation descent.
“I knew I was going to finish regardless of how I was feeling – this wasn’t about me, it was about my dad. I was doing it for a bigger reason,” said Oliver. “If I had had to crawl over the finish line, that’s what I would have done. This was about enduring the battle that I had created in support of someone that I love and look up to dearly.”
Oliver raised an incredible £8,736.
He said: “It restored my faith in humanity – people are inherently good, and it was amazing to see so many people be so generous.”
Thank you so much, Oliver, and congratulations on an amazing achievement!