A young man from Danbury is embarking on an extraordinary festive running challenge, aiming to spread Christmas cheer to young patients at his local hospital. Harry Squires, aged 21, will run a half marathon every single day from November 24th right through to Christmas Eve.
A Personal Mission to Give Back
This incredible feat means Harry will complete 31 half marathons in 31 days, covering a staggering total distance of just over 400 miles. His goal is to raise £1,000 for the children's ward at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, with the funds directly helping to buy presents for children who have to stay in hospital over the Christmas period.
For Harry, this challenge is deeply personal. He explained his powerful motivation, stating: "As a child I was treated for epilepsy by some of the paediatric teams at Broomfield Hospital, so I wanted to give something back." He is not just a novice runner, having been a keen participant for over two years. "I can’t wait to get started!" he added. "At a time when I needed it, running gave me something to focus on."
Pushing Physical Limits for a Cause
Each day, Harry will cover the 13.1-mile half marathon distance around the areas of Danbury and Chelmsford. His routes will take him through local parks and the town centre, a familiar landscape for a runner who is no stranger to endurance events.
Earlier this year, Harry successfully ran the entire length of Luxembourg and also completed a run from Chelmsford to Cardiff in an impressive six days. This new challenge, however, represents his most sustained and demanding effort to date.
Community Support and How to Help
The hospital charity has expressed immense gratitude for Harry's ambitious undertaking. Clair Dade, the fundraising coordinator at the Mid and South Essex Hospital’s Charity, said: "He’s pushing his limits and spreading joy to children at Broomfield Hospital. We’re so grateful for his support."
Harry is inviting the local community to get involved in his fundraising journey. People are encouraged to join him for a stretch of his run, cheer him on from the sidelines, or make a donation to support his cause. More details about his progress and how to contribute can be found on his fundraising page.
