Andy Cox, a Detective Chief Superintendent at Northamptonshire Police, is attempting to run 200km in seven days, raising funds for a road safety charity.

The challenge is aiming to highlight the impact of road death and serious injury by raising money for Brake, which supports victims and bereaved families and campaigns for safer roads.

Having taken on a similar challenge four years ago, Andy is helping to raise funds and awareness for road safety causes, and said his latest effort is driven by a desire to keep the issue in the public eye.

Andy, detective chief superintendent and head of crime and justice at Northamptonshire Police said: “During the course of this challenge, more than 30 people across the UK will lose their lives in road collisions. Every one of those deaths is preventable.

Andy Cox has taken on running 200km in seven days

placeholder image — Andy Cox has taken on running 200km in seven days

“My main motivation is to raise awareness of road danger and to support Brake. While people continue to be killed or seriously injured on our roads, we need organisations like Brake to be there for victims and bereaved families during the most difficult times of their lives.”

Andy’s challenge during the summer is being completed in soaring temperatures, with half of the UK currently in a drought.

He added: “I haven’t trained for this, and I’ve picked up a bit of a calf injury along the way,” he said. “But it had to be something difficult. The challenges faced by bereaved families last a lifetime, so it didn't feel right to do something easy.

“Nothing I experience during this run compares to what victims and families go through, but if it helps generate interest in road safety and the work Brake does, then it’s worth it.

“What has really struck me is seeing how differently some people behave behind the wheel.

“The purpose of every journey is to get from A to B safely, but sometimes impatience and poor decisions can have life-changing consequences.

“If hearing about this challenge encourages even a small number of people to slow down, put their phone away, or think twice before taking a risk, then that’s a positive outcome.”

The challenge also supports Northamptonshire Police's commitment to reducing road deaths and serious injuries.

Currently, Andy’s fundraiser is at £821 raised of his £1,500 goal, which can be found online here.