A fundraiser has completed an epic 24-hour running challenge for St. Luke’s Hospice in Essex, raising more than £2500 for the charity.  

 

Chris Cook, 36, from Corringham in Essex, set himself the challenge of running through day and night in an effort to raise funds and awareness for his local charity, running a total of 104 miles.  

 

Setting of at 10am on Friday 17^th May, Chris ran loops around his hometown of Corringham and neighbouring Stanford-Le-Hope for more than 20 hours, before running to the Ford Dunton Technical Centre where the charity was holding its popular Test Track Ten Races.  

 

Hundreds of runners took part in the Test Track Ten Races on Saturday, organised by St. Luke’s Hospice and Ford Britain Trust, where there was a choice of a 10km course, a 10m route and a 2.5km Fun Run.  

 

Chris joined the 2.5km Fun Run for the final stretch of his gruelling challenge, where he was joined by his 4-year-old son. Together, they ran the Fun Run and crossed the finish line – marking the end of his gruelling challenge.   

 

Chris started running at the age of 28. He has completed six marathons, set up a running club in Corringham and supports St. Luke’s Hospice marathon runners.  

 

Chris said: “I ran the London Marathon for St. Luke’s Hospice last year and asked people to sponsor me for each mile. I was flooded with stories from friends and family, all who shared stories of how the Hospice had supported them, so I just knew I wanted to keep helping the charity. I made a commitment to do one challenge a year to raise money for the Hospice and this 24-hour run was my first.  

 

“It’s up there with one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. The most difficult point was midnight to 3am but I just kept pushing through and I was fortunate that I was never alone as friends, family and people from running clubs locally joined me along the route. My daughter cycled a loop with me and I even spotted a nurse from the Hospice cheering me on! My aunt set up a gazebo at her house which was between the two loops so I could stop every 45 minutes or so to re-fuel as needed. The support was really incredible. 

 

“Seeing my family and friends at the Test Track Ten Races was a highlight and getting to finish at the Fun Run with my 4-year-old son was amazing. He just kept running the whole way – I had to ask him to slow down as at that point I was almost done!” 

 

Chris is aiming to support St. Luke’s Hospice next year with another running feat which is still to be decided.   

 

“I want to do something that people take notice of, gets the community involved and people feel inspired to donate to. It’s really important to raise money for St. Luke’s Hospice as they help so many people and doing these challenges is one way I can way I can show my support.” 

 

Chris also helps St. Luke’s Hospice by offering free support to its team of marathon runners. 

 

Chris said: “Anything is possible. If you have a big goal, say it out loud, make that commitment to do it, plan and train and you can achieve it.” 

 

Money raised for St. Luke’s Hospice helps ensure the ongoing provision of specialist, compassionate palliative and end of life care, where and when it is most needed.  

 

If you would like to find out more about the ways you support St. Luke’s Hospice visit www.stlukeshospice.com/fundraising or contact the Fundraising team at St. Luke’s Hospice on 01268 524 973 or email [email protected].