'My 50-mile Christmas run with a weight of love'

A man hopes to complete a 50-mile run across Yorkshire later for people "who feel unseen" at Christmas.

Kacper Bilengrek said he planned to run from Beverley to Conisbrough while carrying a 25kg (55lb) backpack, in order to raise money for people struggling with their mental health.

He came up with the idea after undergoing "life-changing" surgery on Christmas Eve last year, following a serious injury at work.

Calling his challenge "The Weight of Love", Mr Bilengrek said the backpack represented the "invisible weight that many people carry every day".

"While the world celebrates, many people are sitting quietly with fear, sadness or memories they don't talk about," he said.

"So while most people are warm at home, I'll be out there in the cold, running for those who feel unseen."

Mr Bilengrek, who moved from Poland to East Yorkshire at the age of four, described the challenge as "next-level endurance".

He said he hoped to arrive in Conisbrough, near Doncaster, at about 14:00 GMT, having trained since August and prepared for "all weather conditions".

Mr Bilengrek's sister, Paulina, who lives in Hull, said she was "incredibly proud" of him for choosing to spend Christmas Day running when most people were "at home with their families".

"It says everything about what kind of person he is. I'm feeling nervous for him but will support him regardless," she added.

Alexa Charnley, the director of fundraising and communications at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "We wish Kacper the very best as he takes on the remarkable feat.

"We are deeply grateful for his commitment and generosity, which help highlight the importance of mental health for everyone."

Mr Bilengrek said his time spent recovering in hospital last year had made him realise "how some people feel so lonely during the Christmas holidays".

He added: "If I can carry this weight across 50 miles then I hope it spreads a message to anyone who sees me that they can keep going."

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