Andrew completes equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats

A Beeford man who lost his sight after a routine operation went seriously wrong has completed the equivalent of walking and running from Land’s End to John O’Groats without travelling any further than the Yorkshire Wolds and its surrounds.

Last year, the Wolds Weekly reported how Andrew Eilliker-Reeve’s life dramatically changed after he went into hospital for a vascular operation in February 2020, designed to allow greater blood flow to his legs as he looked to restart his hobby of running.

However, what should have been a straightforward procedure instead led to Andrew losing his sight.
He was also left with no colon, no working spleen, a partially collapsed lung and sepsis.

Andrew was in hospital for 11 weeks and upon his return home, embarked on a long road to recovery, ably assisted by his wife Rebecca.

Next on the agenda for Andrew was an even bigger challenge. He wanted to walk 874 miles, the distance from England’s southernmost point to the northernmost point of the British mainland.

Starting last November, Andrew set off on his trek, walking on paths and roads around the East Riding, and his treadmill, whilst keeping everyone updated through his Travelling Blind blog in his own amusing way.

After battling injuries, COVID-19 and the great British weather, Andrew reached the finish line after 13 weeks at an average of just over 67 miles per week, much to his delight.

“In November last year, I started the virtual run/walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats,” Andrew told the Wolds Weekly.

“In spite of a calf injury and falling foul of COVID, I managed to complete it in just under 13 weeks, averaging 67 miles per week.

“This was sometimes done on my own on my treadmill, but I was often taken out by my marvellous guide runners, Saint Sue and Saint Sally.

“The whole thing would have been a lot more difficult without them.

“I think this shows that no matter how handicapped you think you are, great things can still be achieved.
“Sometimes you just have to ask for a little help.”

Andrew has just three more days to rest his weary legs before he starts his next challenge.

This will be launched on Friday (25th March) to raise money for Guide Dogs. Full details of Andrew’s new fundraising efforts have yet to be released, however, participants will require a blindfold and a minimum donation of £2.

To discover all the details, visit www.facebook.com/travellingblind, follow travellingblind1 or search for TravellingBlind on YouTube.