British Charity Runner Survives Truck Accident While on Phone to Ex-Wife, Completes UK Journey

A determined charity runner, Nick Ashill, has successfully completed a remarkable challenge by running the length of Great Britain, after surviving a near-fatal incident while attempting to cross the United States in 2017.

At 62 years old, Ashill was struck by a pick-up truck in Ohio while he was running from Santa Monica to Coney Island. The accident left him unconscious in a ditch, but his life was saved thanks to a Skype call with his ex-wife, Sarah, who alerted emergency services despite being on holiday in Cyprus.

After suffering a fractured pelvis and significant internal injuries, Ashill spent several weeks recovering at Ohio State University Hospital and has since undergone over a dozen operations. Doctors initially warned him that he might become wheelchair-bound or need a cane for mobility.

Defying such grim predictions, the marketing professor returned to the U.S. to finish his run and also tackled the entire length of Australia. His latest feat involved running from John o’Groats to Land’s End, making him only the second person ever to complete runs across the U.S., Australia, and the UK.

Nick Ashill, who was struck by a truck while running in the USA, has completed his journey across Britain.

Beginning his run on September 5, Ashill covered a marathon’s distance each day over the course of a month, navigating challenges as he traversed Scotland, England, and into Wales and finally to Cornwall.

However, the journey wasn’t without obstacles; Ashill visited an emergency department due to swelling and pain in his leg, which led him to cycle part of the way.

He triumphantly finished his run on October 2 at Land’s End, marking mainland Britain’s southernmost point.

Motivated by a desire to raise funds for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust in memory of his mother, Ashill reflected on the horrifying experience of being hit by the vehicle. He recounted, “I remember watching the truck change lanes but had no idea it would hit me. If I hadn’t been on that call, I believe I would have died.”

This incredible journey, documented on his social media page Nick Runs Britain, stands as a testament to resilience and the human spirit.