A dedicated lifesaver is clocking up hundreds of kilometres to support a children’s hospice in memory of a friend’s daughter. James Marman is running 265km over 10 months to raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. The 37-year-old, from Melton Mowbray, wanted to support the charity following the death of seven-year-old Erinne Budd.
Erinne, who was also from Melton, died last June from a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumour. James has been friends with Erinne’s father, Chris, for more than 10 years. They both play rugby at Melton Rugby Club. The challenge began in February with James running 5km every day. He has since been joined by fellow rugby player, 41-year-old Oli Chapman.
Team Effort
Fellow rugby player Oli Chapman has joined James for several of the long-distance events. The pair have a schedule of events planned, including the Rutland 10k, the Leicester Half Marathon, and a run at Alton Towers. In August, James will also complete a one-mile run every hour for 24 hours around Melton Mowbray.
James, who serves as a firefighter in Loughborough and an on-call firefighter in Melton, said: "I am really enjoying the challenges I have done so far, and I look forward to everything coming up and raising as much as I can for Rainbows. When I visited Rainbows, seeing first-hand the incredible care and compassion they provide, and knowing the support they gave to Erinne, Chris and Jenn, my decision became clear."
Legacy Run
James is taking on the 10-month feat in memory of seven-year-old Erinne Budd. He added: "Erinne was so brave. She never made a fuss and she was always bubbly. She always helped people and was just so kind. I just wanted to run in memory of her. Nothing stopped her from doing anything and I remember that when it gets tough. She is my inspiration to carry on."
The firefighter added that the challenge has also helped his personal fitness, having decided to make a change after reaching his heaviest weight last August. He is being supported by his wife, Hannah, and his children, 13-year-old Samuel and seven-year-old Jessica.
James continued: "I set myself a goal to raise £1,000, never expecting to reach it so quickly. But while running 5K every day in February, I came close – and with one final push and the support of others, I smashed it as I’m currently sitting just over £2,100. This journey has meant so much to me, and I’m proud to give back to such a truly special place."
Vital Funds
The pair have already raised more than £2,100 for the children's hospice. Oli commented: "Running with and supporting James this year took no second thought. It’s with immense love and pride that we can help, just that little bit, to run, to fundraise, and to honour Erinne’s legacy. In life, she was sassy and she could brighten a room with a smile, but what I remember the most, was her empathy; her ability, despite her age, to find ways to give care and attention to others around her. Supporting Rainbows is the ideal way to contribute to Erinne’s legacy and help others with the same loving care and compassion she shared."
Maria Thompson, Rainbows community fundraiser in Melton, added: "James and Oli are incredible fundraisers and are pushing their limits in memory of Erinne. All of the money they raise goes to help children like Erinne who benefit from our palliative and end of life care at the hospice, at home and in the hospitals. We only received 13 per cent of our funding from statutory sources, so our fundraisers are pivotal to Rainbows. Thank you James and Oli."
