A man has completed an epic 110-mile run from Aggborough Stadium to Anfield in memory of a Kidderminster teenager who died from Meningitis B.
Shaun McEntee crossed the finish line at the home of Liverpool FC on Sunday (September 15), five days after getting his epic challenge underway in Kidderminster.
Shaun took on the run in memory of Aaron Mills, a lifelong Liverpool and Kidderminster Harriers fan, who died from Meningitis B in January at the age of 18.
Before starting his run, Shaun said that it was an ‘honour’ to be taking on the challenge in Aaron’s memory, and after crossing the finish line at Anfield, he said that it was the teenager’s spirit that kept him going during the hardest moments of the run.
An exhausted Shaun after crossing the finish line at Anfield (Image: Supplied)
“I had a little canister of [Aaron’s] ashes that I’ve been carrying with me for the full five days, and that’s what has pushed me through,” Shaun said.
“Thursday and Friday were really tough. It was probably the lowest [I had been]. The weather was against us, and I was already exhausted, and I knew I had lots to go.
“But his name was on my back, and his spirit pushed me through.”
During his run, Shaun passed key locations from Aaron’s life, including King Charles I School in Kidderminster and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Aaron’s friends at Anfield (Image: Supplied)
To date, Shaun’s run has also raised nearly £6,000 for Meningitis Now.
Joining Shaun at the finish line in Liverpool was Aaron’s dad, Anthony, who says that the experience has helped him ‘heal a few wounds’.
He said: “The whole experience was so full of positivity, in the spirit of Aaron, that it’s helped me heal a few wounds.
Aaron’s dad Anthony lets off a flare at Anfield (Image: Supplied)
“The hardest thing I have ever done was to let go of Aaron’s hopes and dreams in Liverpool, when we had to collect his things from his halls.
“For LJMU to be part of this, I feel Aaron hasn’t been forgotten, and for Liverpool Football Club to acknowledge Aaron for his love of the club gives me some peace.
“I owe Shaun a lot for doing this; I respect him more than any other man.”
