Russell Cook, a man from Worthing, West Sussex, who is running the length of Africa for charity, has claimed that visa issues may threaten the success of his mission. The 26-year-old had earlier planned to complete the length of 360 marathons within 240 days. However, due to complications including an armed robbery, he has had to extend the time period. Cook said that his ability to cross the border into Algeria from Mauritania would determine whether he would be able to complete the challenge.
Cook posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he had “been on the road for 278 days, ran 12,000km [7,456 miles] across 13 different countries, raised over £140,000 for charity – but it is all hanging in the balance.” He added that “if we don’t get the visas, then it is game over.” Several MPs, including Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP for East Worthing and Alexander Stafford MP, have offered to help by raising the issue with the Algerian embassy and the Foreign Office.
Cook had initially aimed to cover 9,320 miles (14,500km) during the challenge, crossing 16 borders. He has been running the challenge to raise money for The Running Charity. The extreme challenge began on 22 April and will end at Tunisia’s most northerly point.
Cook, nicknamed “Hardest Geezer,” has called on those who have followed his challenge for assistance and support to help secure the visa he requires to complete the challenge. With the support of his followers, Cook hopes to continue his mission and raise even more funds for the charity.
The Running Charity, for which Cook is raising money, assists young homeless people by providing them with training and support, helping them to tackle challenges and build a better future for themselves
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