Central Beds councillor's mega run raises £2k for Autism Bedfordshire

Councillor John Baker completed a 34 mile trip from Aspley Guise to Potton on Sunday (June 21), travelling through 11 wards in 7.5 hours – and covering around eight more miles than a marathon runner.

He has now raised an impressive £2,000 for the charity and is grateful to everyone who helped him along the way.

Councillor Baker (Aspley and Woburn) said: "It was hot. It was increasingly hot. But thanks to the support from a whole range of people, I made it, which is very satisfying.

"I ran the first 30 to 31 miles with the odd break for a glass of water, and took a couple of detours – including into the centre of Shillington – which took my total to around 34 miles.

"It was tough, but I kept in mind that I was being sponsored more than £50 a mile to keep going – money that will now be used by Autism Bedfordshire to provide support to adults and children – a cause that is a priority for my colleagues on the council.”

Autism Bedfordshire is the charity of the year chosen by the chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, cllr Kevin Collins, who came along to support cllr Baker on the big day.

"Kevin was there at Aspley Guise at 7.27am – and was no more than 10 minutes away at any particular point by car, making sure I was safe and providing me with water and fresh fruit," added cllr Baker. "Particular thanks go to Kevin."

The determined runner was also joined by fellow councillors en route, including Cllr Heather Townsend, Cllr Kevin Collins, and Cllr Gareth Mackey, who topped him up with water as he ran through the Flitwick Junior Park Run.

Cllr Baker was then met by MP for Mid Bedfordshire Blake Stephenson at Wrest Park, who jogged alongside him to Shillington, where they enjoyed an ice cream with cllr Liz Childs.

Councillor Jodie Chillery (Arlesey and Fairfield) said: "By the time I spotted him coming over the fields from Stondon towards Arlesey, temperatures were reaching the mid 20s and John looked hot!

"I cycled with him to Langford, and soon after, cllr Gareth Tranter and cllr Steven Watkins from Biggleswade ensured he was refreshed in The Golden Pheasant Pub."

Finally, CBC leader cllr Adam Zerny accompanied cllr Baker at a brisk walk from the edge of Biggleswade through Sutton, and to the finish line at The Rising Sun, Potton.

Cllr Baker added: "I was pleased to sit down in the shade and enjoy a couple of cold drinks and a bowl of chips."

Cllr Tracey Wye also presented him with a medal she had crafted herself featuring the Bedfordshire flag and the route of his run.

Cllr Baker concluded: "Thank you to all the supporters who have helped me both financially and through the campaign, and those that were there on the day to make sure that I completed it in one piece."

In a fitting show of support on Father's Day, cllr Baker was also joined by his son, who ran with him for the first hour from Aspley Guise towards Flitwick.

If you would like to contribute, you can donate to cllr Baker's Go Fund Me page here.

Autism Bedfordshire is an independent charity, whose aim is to "improve the lives of autistic people and their families".