A determined runner has completed 50 half marathons in a year to raise money for the hospice which cared for his wife.
Mark Henderson challenged himself to run 50 half marathons – or 650 miles – to celebrate his 50th birthday and finished his last race in Las Vegas.
In 2011, Mr Henderson’s wife – Alison, died at St Richard’s Hospice after living with cancer. The couple’s daughter, Emily, was just 13 at the time.
Over the past year, Mr Henderson has raised £1,210 for the Worcester hospice and has also made donations to two other charities.
“It was a massive challenge for an every day plodder, so I’m so thankful to have completed it,” said Mr Henderson, who lives in Cofton Hackett near Bromsgrove.
“Every run was a mini 50th birthday party and they all had something special.”
Starting in November 2017, he ran half marathons around the world and in all sorts of conditions – including in snow, in midnight sun and heatwaves.
But some of the most special moments of the challenge took place closer to home.
“I ran the Worcester Half Marathon and in a village an elderly lady thanked me for running for St Richard’s as her husband died there,” he remembered.
“This was the very reason I was running so completely spurred me on.
“We had excellent support during our time as the hospice cared for Alison. I never realised the hospice was mainly funded by donations and it’s so important that this service exists for all our friends and families. If I can help in anyway then I’ll run again tomorrow.”
Jodi Brandwood, hospice Fundraiser, said: “We are so proud of Mark’s achievement – it’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. We are thrilled he chose to support St Richard’s.
“The fantastic amount Mark raised for the hospice will help ensure we can continue caring for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and their families when they need it most.”
To find out more about Mr Henderson’s challenge, or to make a donation, visit his website www.50at50.co.uk