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Running fundraiser breaks world record
A runner has broken a world record whilst raising funds for Bristol causes.
Elliot Jenkins ran the entire length of Iceland, raising a total of £2,453 and breaking the world record for the fastest crossing on foot.
Elliot travelled 441 miles across nine days, running between 16 and 17 hours a day through mountains, ice-cold rivers and remote deserts.
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Elliot Jenkins broke the world record for the fastest crossing of Iceland on foot – photo: Elliot Jenkins
The money that Elliot, along with his trainer Ed Sells, raised is being divided between two causes close to their hearts.
Half of the funds were donated to Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital, who helped save the life of Ed’s daughter, Ellia.
Ellia was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease IgA Vasculitis in 2024, when she was five years old.
Ed said that he and his family are “so incredibly grateful” for the team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the help they provided Ellia.
“When you witness the massive scale of organisation and energy that it takes to look after hundreds of very sick kids all at the same time, it’s humbling to the core,” he said.
“It’s a reminder of our most important duty as people – to look after one another.”
The team donated £1,226 to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children – photo: The Grand Appeal
The remaining funds were used to honour a close personal friend of Elliot’s, Eli Sweeting.
Eli, a Bristol-based adventurer, went missing in May while hiking in New Zealand.
Elliot dedicated a share of the funds to install a memorial bench for Eli in Brandon Hill Park.
The fundraiser paid for a memorial bench to Eli in Brandon Hill Park – photo: Elliot Jenkins
“He unfortunately went missing in May after attempting to solo climb up a mountain in the South Island of New Zealand,” Elliot said.
“Having lived in New Zealand myself, I know exactly why he attempted this.
“It is a beautiful and free location filled with many fun challenges that would have put one of those smiles on his face.”
Elliot ran 441 miles across Iceland – photo: The Grand Appeal
Speaking about the challenge, Elliot described a bittersweet feeling. He said: “I’m really happy to have achieved it, but in the miles leading up to the finish line, I was sad that I was coming to the end of having such important causes to work towards.
“I was even sadder when I thought about how these causes don’t really get to end: children don’t stop being sick, and Eli unfortunately doesn’t stop being missing.”
Elliot and Ed’s fundraiser is still open, and can be donated to by referencing “Ed and Elliot”.
Main photo: Ed Sells and Elliot Jenkins
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