Braintree to Birtwistle: running 402KM over 8 days

On Saturday 14th September I'm running from Braintree in Essex to Birtwistle Avenue in Colne.

It's a grand total of 250 miles (402KM) – an average of about 31 miles (50KM) a day for 7 days, with a marathon thrown in for good measure on the eighth day.

I'm doing this in memory of my brother-in-law Bobby and to raise money for some important causes. Bobby passed away just over two years ago from a rare and fast-growing brain tumour at the age of 32.

Even when Bobby was quite poorly, he was dedicated to raising money for his local hospice and food banks. And this is a legacy we want to carry on.

What we're raising money for

Bobby's Battle Fund

Bobby lived in Essex with his wife and two children. He grew up in Colne and it's where most of his family still live. When Bobby was going through treatment, it was costing a lot of money for family to frequently travel down to see him – things like fuel, accommodation and food all needed to be paid for.

To raise money to fund these costs we started Bobby's Battle Fund. I ran a marathon in the local park, Bobby's old Sunday League team played a charity match, Bobby's Primary School held their own sponsored run and the local Dojo put on a sponsored throw.

We raised just over £10,000 which we're forever grateful for. As well as funding our visits down to see Bobby, we've since used the money to help other local families in a similar position – such as money for fuel for hospital visits.

Continuing Bobby's legacy, we'd love to have a pot of money available to help more local families and causes.

Farleigh Hospice

Farleigh Hospice in Essex provided help to Bobby when he needed further care and support. They were also one of the causes Bobby chose to raise money for himself. We're extremely thankful for the love and support they provided to Bobby and the family.

Scotty's Little Soldiers

Bobby was in the army. Scotty's Little Soldiers provides support to bereaved military children and young people. They've provided some invaluable support to Bobby's wife and children.

The Brain Tumour Charity

Too many people die from this horrendous disease each year. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of under 40s. As much money as possible needs to be put towards finding better treatment options and hopefully one day a cure.

Pendleside Hospice

Anyone from Pendle knows how amazing Pendleside Hospice are. Both Dave and I have family and friends who have received care and support from Pendleside.

More about Braintree to Birtwistle

All donations made to this page will be divided between each of our causes. 

Thanks for all your support and here's to raising as much as we can for some fabulous causes. And for Bobby!