Jack’s marathon effort for the homeless

Eight-year-old Jack, from Walsall Wood, has taken a leaf out of Captain Tom Moore's book and decided to set himself a challenge to run to raise funds.

He is planning to run almost daily throughout January and eventually complete a total of 50 miles.

Ed Birt, Jack's father, who works in information technology, said: "Both Jack and his eleven-year-old brother Oliver, are goalkeepers with Walsall Football Club Academy.

"Jack just decided he wanted to raise money for the homeless and decided to run a mile-a-day but has smashed that and his initial target was for £100 but now he has set it at £1,000.

"He never realised how hard it would be and it’s been a tough slog.

"Some days his legs are heavy and he has to push through it and we have had tears at the end of runs, but never a complaint.

"He just gets his gear on and goes, motivated by the thought of the good he is doing.

"Jack takes one day off each week to rest but has run 19 days out of 22 so far.

"There is no football training at the moment to I am sure this will help make him fitter and stronger and mentally it is a big deal for youngsters to keep focussed."

Ed runs alongside his son and sometimes Jack's brother joins the pair as they continue to raise vital funds which will go to the Glebe Centre at Walsall which provides food, hot showers and support for mental health problems caused by homelessness.

The family has set up a justgiving page and anyone wanting to donate via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/JackBirtMarathon