By Ed Fletcher, Head of Fundraising & Communications
Chris Patterson from Daventry, Northamptonshire, will compete in 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2018 - his ’52 in 52’ campaign is aiming to raise at least £12,000 in aid of Hope for Children.
Chris, a long-time supporter of the charity, has already completed the London Marathon (2017) and ultra-marathon, Marathon des Sables (2016) – commonly referred to as the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’ – in recent years, but this challenge will push his physical and mental strength to new extremes.
Throughout 2018, he will be taking part in events all over the world including marathons in Edinburgh, Barcelona and China. So far, Chris has already completed the Endurance Life Marathon in Anglesey, the Gran Canaria Marathon and the Holly Challenge in Telford.
Most races will take place over long weekends, although in February Chris will be attempting 5 marathons in 5 days all over Kent between 10th to 14th, ending with the Valentines Day Marathon.
When he has completed his challenge, Chris will have run over 1,362 miles, roughly the distance between Hemel Hempstead (where we're based) and the coast of Africa, the continent where many of our projects are positively impacting vulnerable children.
Chris said: "I first became aware of Hope for Children when I ran the Marathon des Sables (MdS) for them in 2016. One of the first thigs that attracted me to Hope was the fact they were one of the smaller charities and I felt money raised would make a real difference. Having completed the MdS I had a “gap year” and felt I needed a new challenge for 2018…..and came up with 52 in 52. People kept telling me I ‘ve lost the plot and now I’ve done the first three, I realise they were right No matter how difficult it gets, its important I remember the work that Hope are doing and how we are helping to improve the lives of others. It’s been great to get involved with Hope’s “Head Held High appeal” and I regularly read the updates/stories on the Hope website for motivation! Any extra support you can give me and Hope is very welcome.”
Murielle Maupoint, CEO, said: “When Chris first came to us with this idea last year, we weren’t sure if this was even possible. But once, he took us through his training and race plans, and most importantly showed his desire and passion to raise funds for our life-changing work, we got fully behind him. To complete 1 marathon is huge achievement; to complete 52 is extraordinary. Chris is a true Hope Hero.”
Funds raised by Chris will support the our work all over the world to enable vulnerable children, particularly orphans and children living in extreme poverty, to experience a happy, healthy and positive childhood. Their projects improve children’s access to education and healthcare, and empower their families to support themselves whilst developing their confidence and self-esteem.
To support Chris, donate online at his fundraising page OR send cheques made payable to our office: Hope for Children, 6 Progression Centre, Mark Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7DW and include reference to Chris Patterson 5252
