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British 'Forrest Gump' runs across Canada

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Press Trust of India Toronto
Last Updated : Feb 05 2014 | 12:15 AM IST
A British man billed as the real-life 'Forrest Gump' has become the first person to run across Canada without any support team completing the 8,000 km journey battling all odds from an injured foot to frostbite.
Jamie McDonald, 27, became the first person to run across Canada without support staff when he crossed the finishing line in Vancouver yesterday - nearly 12 months after setting off from St John's in Newfoundland dressed as comic superhero The Flash.
McDonald, from Gloucester, was joined by his father Donald and friends to celebrate ending the mammoth challenge, in which he has raised 150,000 pounds for charity.
During the journey, he nearly lost his nose to frostbite, permanently injured his foot, was beaten during a New Year attack and lost his bag containing film footage of his trip, although this was swiftly returned following an appeal.
The coast-to-coast run is the equivalent of more than 200 marathons in 275 days, and involved McDonald sleeping by the side of the road, or relying on the generosity of strangers as he undertook the challenge, The Independent reported.
He also pushed his 60 kg baby stroller, containing all his possessions, for more than 7,200 km. He began the journey by carrying a 30 kg backpack until the weight caused an injury.
"I just can't believe it's over," he told journalists and members of the public gathered at the finish line.

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"I have worked for so long and given this run everything I have, physically and mentally, that to finally dip my hand into the Pacific Ocean eleven months and more than 200 marathons after doing the same thing in the Atlantic Ocean is just incredible. I feel a real mix of emotions. I'm ecstatic that I have finished," he was quoted as saying.
As a child he suffered from a debilitating immune deficiency and potentially fatal spinal condition syringomyelia and spent the first nine years of his life in and out of children's hospitals.
His run was to raise funds for SickKids Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and the Pied Piper Appeal.

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First Published: Feb 05 2014 | 12:15 AM IST

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