Man runs length of UK for children's hospital charity

A man from Leicester ran the length of the UK in 21 days to support a children's hospital charity.

Tom Hunt, 40, completed the 850 miles (1368km) distance from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Scotland by averaging 40 miles a day since 1 December, and said the whole journey had been "amazing".

Mr Hunt was motivated to take on the challenge for Leicester Children's Hospital, which treated his niece.

He has raised more than £19,400 so far, which will go towards creating private spaces to improve overnight accommodation for parents of critically ill children, which means they can be close to their loved ones during their stay in hospital.

The Leicester Hospitals Charity Parent Facilities Appeal seeks to transform the accommodation within the Children's Intensive Care Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Mr Hunt said: "The running and fundraising is me giving back to Leicester's Hospitals.

"Showing my thanks and support for all the work they do. I've inspired myself, and I hope this inspires others as well."

Mr Hunt's colleagues at DGM Builders Ltd sponsored his travel and accommodation costs, as well as rallying NHS staff and other contractors to take part in treadmill runs alongside the final week of his challenge.

The DGM team said it was "so proud of Tom's dedication and the incredible challenge he has taken on to raise money for an amazing charity".

Sunita Patel, head of charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, added: "Tom's accomplishment is nothing short of extraordinary.

"Completing a challenge of this scale requires immense resilience and commitment, and the impact of his efforts will be felt by families who rely on being close to their children during incredibly difficult times."

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