Wolverhampton golf pro finishes 31 marathons in 31 days challenge for Acorns Hospice
He's run a marathon a day for the entirety of August and raised £7,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice – but James Wright isn't going to stop running now that September is here.
The 39-year-old from Low Hill, Wolverhampton, took on the epic challenge to help the appeal to keep Acorn's from closure.
He ran 26.2 miles every day, in baking sun, pouring rain, and fierce winds.
Some were scheduled after work – James is a professional golfer at Penn Golf Club – some were early in the morning.
But no matter the inconvenience, he always found the time. And on August 31 he ran his final marathon of the challenge.
James said: "It got easier as I went on. The first three or four days were really difficult. On day four I actually thought I might not be able to do it, but then I carried on and it got easier.
"I enjoy running, and we know a little girl who is very close to our hearts so wanted to run to help Acorns. Originally I put a target of £5,000 so it's just amazing to reach £7,000."
The keen sportsman mainly ran round the Black Country, but has also been jogging around Telford and Shrewsbury.
His final run on Saturday, August 31 was from Acorns Hospice in Walstead Road to Walsall Arboretum, which he ran 24 laps round.
James won't be putting his feet up just yet though – he needs to keep running a few weeks into September on the advice of his physiotherapist.
The father-of-two, who also fosters children with his partner Gemma, added: "I've been told I'm not allowed to just stop suddenly. I have to keep running for a few weeks – so I'll be back on it again."
The hospice announced that it was near closure in June due to rising running costs and a fall in donations.
A campaign was launched to save Acorns from closing – it needs £2million to stay open.
