HUNDREDS of runners flooded Coate Water country Park this weekend to close a fundraising event in memory of 11-year-old Daniel Climance.

Close friends and family members donned customised t-shirts to participate in the final Doing It For Dan fundraiser, held during national Road Safety Week.

Daniel died in June after he collided with a road-sweeper in Purton while bike riding with his father and older brother.

The Doing It For Dan virtual run was launched by Daniel’s childhood best friend Callum Smart and his mother Claire who live in St Andrew’s Ridge. A virtual run can be held from any location with participants’ able to walk, use the treadmill, or run in another race to raise money. Almost £17,000 has now been raised for road safety charity Brake.

The Coate Water walk, followed by a raffle at the Sun Inn, rounded off a week of fundraising events.

Claire, who walked hand-in-hand with Daniel’s mother Helen Lucas, said the Bridlewood Primary pupil was sorely missed during the final walk.

“We said yesterday that Dan would have really enjoyed the event, being covered in mud and walking in the rain was something every 11-year-old would love,” she said.

“It was bittersweet, we spent the time chatting about Dan and sharing memories of him, it was lovely and the only thing missing was him.

“Doing It For Dan was about keeping his memory alive, and it wasn’t a solemn event, it’s something that he would have loved and I wish he could have been there with us all.”

Daniel’s story spread to six continents with one thousand runners from as far afield as Qatar, New Zealand and the United States going the extra mile to run in his honour.

“We made it everywhere but Antarctica and we’re so pleased that it went from a small event to this. We initially wanted to raise £5,000 and it's unbelievable where we have got to. It’s gone beyond our wildest dreams,” Claire said.

Last week, Daniel’s mum Helen joined hundreds of runners Doing it for Dan at the Arval 5k last week with childhood best friend Callum completing the Parkrun 5k at the weekend.

Proud mum Claire said there was no stopping the Highworth Warneford pupil.

“Callum kept saying that Dan would have loved being there and he ran the furthest he’s ever run. He did it all for Dan. I’m chuffed for him and all his achievements.

“I’m astounded by the response, the people of Swindon have been amazing and they have really got behind us every step of the way.”

The charity Brake promotes road safety awareness, safe and sustainable road use and effective road safety policies, aiming to completely stop road injuries and deaths.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Claire-Smart10/