**Update**
CADD and SCARD member Robert Henderson is
running around 600 miles, from Edinburgh to Stevenage in memory
of his brother Shaun, a father of four who was killed by a
drunk driver Daniel Ellis last year.
N.B. Daniel Ellis was twice over the drink drive limit and
was given one year in jail and a four year driving ban.
The run began on June 28th and is due to finish on July 13th.
He will average 25 miles each day. Robert will be accompanied
by his girlfriend Karen who will cycle alongside him
Robert said “ I just wanted to do something pretty big
to try and capture the public’s attention and imagination.
The only thing I could think of was to run from Edinburgh
where Shaun was brought up, to his home in Stevenage. I want
to raise awareness to the issue of drink driving, tougher
sentencing and lowering the drink drive limit and in the process
raise funds for CADD”.
Photo shows Robert (centre) Karen (right) at Thirsk (the lady
on the left is Sharon Gayter, who is the world record holder
for running from Lands End to John o Groats, which she completed
in 12 days and 16 hours)
Stop Press August 5th 2008
Well Done Robert - Read Robert's summary
below
My run was in memory of my lovely brother Shaun and to support
CADD was both the longest but also the quickest 16 days of
my life.
I was always absolute in my belief that I would complete
the full run as I’ve never been so driven and focused
in my life. My love for Shaun his children and my own daughter’s
Erin and Katie meant failure was never an option. The physical
pain of running 25 miles a day is nothing compared to the
pain my mum has suffered every day since Shaun was needlessly
killed by the arrogance of drink driver, Ellis.
I experienced thousands of Sober motorists who were so careful
in making sure they gave me a wide berth on Britain’s
roads. I am so grateful for their tolerance and patience.
Karen and I experienced so many acts of kindness and spoke
to so many people I am convinced that CADD’s message
is getting through and will drive us towards the elimination
of drink driving throughout Britain and force our government
and the criminal justice system to deliver stiffer sentences.
I’m satisfied that all my planning and training paid
off and as long as I live I will never forget the reception
I received in Stevenage from strangers, family and friends
at the finish. You just can’t by the elation and sheer
joy at seeing your daughter’s at the finishing line
after such a long run. My gratitude to Jill the mother of
my children for having the decency to bring them. I also must
say a heartfelt thank you to Frosty and all the Hertfordshire
Scooterists who carried me along the last 7 miles from Hitchin
to Fairlands Valley Park.
I felt like an Olympic champion as well as a grieving brother.
Robert Henderson
I want to pay tribute to the following people, firstly Karen
my girlfriend for cycling as my support. It would have been
impossible to complete the run without her.
Anji Archer Shaun’s soul mate who coordinated and managed
the CADD stall, media coverage and producing the petition
which is forcing the Government to look at tougher sentencing.
Carole and Frank Whittingham for their compassion and support,
and Sharon Gayter Ultra Marathon World record Hold and Inspiring
friend.
Also grateful thanks to Hertfordshire police, Stevenage Comet,
BBC 3 counties radio, Chiltern FM, Hertbeat FM. Scottish Daily
Record, Edinburgh Evening News, Northern Echo. Real Radio,
Radio Forth, BBC ‘s Elizabeth Quigley.
Everyone who signed the petition and donated so generously.
All the hotels and guest houses who gave me discounted rooms
especially Brian and Val Leask at the Ellerton House in Jedburgh,
Angie at the Boot and Shoe Hotel in Darlington and Sandre
Carr at the Grange hotel in Newark who all waved accommodation
charges. The Compassionate friends(TCF) for their love and
kindness
Hibernian Football club and Stevenage Borough
for donating signed strips and a ball for auction.
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