Ian Callaghan, from Skellingthorpe, set himself the challenge of running 5k every hour for 24 hours, to celebrate his 50th birthday and raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice.
On Saturday 18th May 2024, Ian started his challenge in Skellingthorpe at 8am with a run to join the Lincoln parkrun. He then returned to Skellingthorpe to complete 21 different laps of the village.
Ian said: “Added up, the completed run was just short of three marathons or around 122 kilometres, in a day.”
His fantastic accomplishment raised an incredible £1,101 for St Barnabas Hospice.
When asked why he took on this challenge, Ian said: “I wanted to do something really challenging. I’ve done marathons, ultra-marathons, I’ve ran hills and mountains, but I wanted to try something a bit different.
“And I wanted to choose a challenge that would involve a lot more people and get them to join in.”
The local community were invited to show their support along the way or run a 5k, or more, alongside Ian on the day.
As Club Chair of Lincs Run Club, Ian has supported St Barnabas in the past. Last year the club organised a series of social runs in Lincoln to raise awareness of the St Barnabas Hospice heART trail, as well as encouraging donations to the Hospice.
Ian said: “Raising money for St Barnabas has been brilliant. They’re there at the end of a phone and the email communication is really good. If you’re up for a challenge and want to support St Barnabas, check out their website.”
Make 2025 the year you take on a new challenge and give back. Accomplish new goals such as running a marathon, taking on skydiving, or increasing your daily step count, whilst raising funds for local hospice care.
All donations raised through challenges contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, helping to provide essential hospice care to over 12,000 people annually.
Over £7 million needs to be raised each year to support St Barnabas in providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
To take part in an upcoming challenge or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today. https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising/challenges/