FRIENDS of a young man killed in a road incident are taking part in a gruelling 24km race – complete with around 100 obstacles – to raise money in his memory.
Oli Farrell, 27, originally from Hazelwood, near Duffield, died days after being in collision with a car in Islington last November.
He was the fourth person from the same school year at Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, to die in tragic circumstances.
His brother, Ben, said the deaths of his school friends had driven Oli to travel the world and that he had "lived his life to the full" – often fund-raising in his pals' memory.
Since his death, family and friends have been fund-raising in his honour for Headway – a national charity aiming to support and improve the lives of people who have suffered brain injuries – which was one of the good causes Oli supported.
So far, more than £40,000 has been raised and some of his friends are now hoping to collect a further £650, at least, by taking part in the Ram Run Wild event, in Warwickshire, on Saturday, January 10 next year.
Among those taking part are Ric Stanton, 31, originally from Darley Abbey but who now lives in Liverpool. He said: "It's going to be very tough but definitely worthwhile.
"I contacted the organiser of the event, Iain Exeter, and told him of our reasons for running and he has been extremely supportive of us and the charity. He is actually allowing us to run the 24km on the Saturday when it is only supposed to be on the Sunday.
"He has also waived the entry fee for our whole team, which will be put back into the charity. In addition he will be offering others the chance to run the 24km on the Saturday with us – but they have to donate £10 to Headway. It's a lovely gesture and we're so delighted.
"Oli was training for a marathon when he sadly passed away so this is really appropriate. He had such a huge group of friends."
Ric said 13 of Oli's friends had already signed and he hoped to fill the seven remaining places.
He said: "Some of us have done extreme events before but this will be very cold because it is in January, so we're all trying to get out running when we can."
Iain said: "For someone like Oli to lose his life so young is just so difficult to take. We offer runs to several charities, so we did the same for Ric and his friends."
To support the team or Oli's fund, visit www.justgiving.com/remember/93584/Oli-Farrell.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
