100k run to raise funds for Exmouth charity Charlie’s Beach School

On Saturday 10th May, Exmouth-based, Olly Westray (44) will be running 100K (62 miles), the equivalent of 2.3 marathons, to raise funds for Charlie’s Beach School, a local charity founded in memory of Exmouth-schoolboy, Charlie Duignan, who sadly passed away in January 2024 from a brain tumour. He was just eight years old.

Olly will start his challenge at 6.00am at Dartmouth and will finish at Charlie’s Beach School at Sideshore,Exmouth Beach at roughly 6.00pm. He will be running the “ultra” marathon in one day and is hoping to complete the challenge in 12 hours.  

Charlie's family established the charity, Charlie's Beach School, in Exmouth to keep his memory alive. The beach school aims to help children, both local and visiting, by giving them access to the beach and seaside in a positive, fun and informative way. The beach school’s vision is to get as many children interested in visiting the beach as possible, particularly those children who have not been given that opportunity before.

Olly says: “This is by far the biggest challenge I have attempted, but the donations and well wishes from supporters have helped so much in the run up to the event. Charlie was a good school friend of my son, Otis so to be able to raise vital funds for Charlie’s Beach School means a lot. I am trying to reach a target of £25,000 so any donation – however big or small – will be gratefully received!

“I’m really looking forward to the event, where I will be joined for parts of the run by Charlie’s friends, including some of his teachers, school friends, members of his football and rugby team as well as members of the local running community and my twin brother! This is a real team effort and their support on the day will be invaluable.”

Charlie’s father, David Duignan will be joining Olly for the last 10K. David adds: “Charlie had a real love for sea life and the beach. One of his favourite activities was going to our local beach in Exmouth to play and help clean the beach – a free treasure hunt whilst protecting the beach, sea and its wildlife. His passion for nature and helping others inspired the creation of Charlie’s Beach School. In setting this up, Charlie’s legacy will benefit not only his friends and family but the wider community in Exmouth and beyond for generations to come.

“As a charity, our goal is to give thousands of children the chance to explore the beach, especially those who haven’t had the opportunity before. We run year-round sessions with beach cleans, rock pooling, beach art and wildlife discovery. We also offer free sessions for schools and community groups, along with weekly pre-school sessions. Each session carries forward Charlie’s love for nature, his joy in helping others, and his passion for the beach. We are so grateful to all our supporters and those who donate to the charity and wish Olly the best of luck!”

For more information or to donate visit: www.charliesbeachschool.co.uk/fundraising/olly-westray