Young farmer takes on mammoth challenge in memory of his father
A young farmer – running in memory of his dad and to raise cancer charity funds – is taking on 870 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just 14 days.
William Sercombe will raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his dad, Charles Sercombe, a well-respected Frisby-on-the-Wreake farmer and former NFU livestock chair, when he sets off on the challenge tomorrow (Saturday June 13).
Will has been training for the gruelling run from Scotland to Cornwall alongside completing his final year at Bath University where he is studying mathematics.
The 22-year-old started raising money when he learned about his father's diagnosis with stomach cancer in May 2024.
To process this news, he started running 5km every day for a year and this culminated with an epic endurance run when he completed seven marathons in seven days.
His final marathon finished at the Leicestershire Young Farmers’ Rally on May 10 last year and his fundraising efforts so far have exceeded £20,000 for the cancer charity.
Will commented: “There are lots of good cancer charities out there but I liked the idea of running for Cancer Research UK as the work they do is really important, trying to find a cure, and I just want no other family to have to go through what ours did.”
He added: “I want to represent and symbolise how hard farmers work and hopefully give them the credit they deserve.”
Charles Sercombe was an active member of the NFU for many years, starting out as a local member and then progressing through the ranks until he took on the role of National Livestock Board chair, which he held for six years until 2018.
He also took on a variety of other roles within the livestock industry all while running his own sheep business based at Sandlands Farm, at Frisby.
His business consisted of pedigree Charollais and commercial sheep flocks and Helen, Will’s mum, and daughter Grace are still based at the family farm and are continuing Charles’ legacy, in a reduced capacity.
The family are looking for fields or drives to park on as they progress down the UK in their campervan, which is Will’s official support vehicle.
Helen said: “I am looking forward to taking on this journey with William and if we meet some farmers on the way, where we can share a common interest and perhaps memories of Charles, that would be great.”
She said the whole Sercombe family remained incredibly proud of William’s efforts but would also like to stress to farmers to look after their own health and wellbeing.
Will is hoping to run about 90km per day, heading down the east coast of Scotland through Edinburgh. Then across to Gretna Green and down the west of England through Shropshire and down to Bristol. He will then run into the west country towards the finish at Land’s End.
Marie Charles, NFU Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland county adviser, said: “Doing seven marathons in seven days was so impressive and this run is next level - we wish him every success and I know everyone will be too as he chalks off the miles.”
Go to fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/williams-giving-page-3242 to sponsor William.