An Oldham man and Whitworth man are teaming up and preparing to run 412 miles across Britain in nine days to raise money for a childhood cancer charity.
Joe Hughes will take on the challenge with Whitworth man Matthew O’Connor, with the pair aiming to raise £30,000 for The Azaylia Foundation.
The pair will average almost 50 miles a day during the challenge, which begins later this month and includes visits to four children’s hospitals.
They will deliver Jessie’s JoyJars to children undergoing cancer treatment during the journey.
The plastic jars contain new, age-specific toys, games and activities and will be brought to the UK for the first time as part of the challenge, according to the charity.
Their first hospital visit is scheduled for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on Saturday 19 September.
They are then due to visit Great Ormond Street Hospital in London on Wednesday 23 September and Oxford Children's Hospital at the John Radcliffe on Friday 25 September.
Their final hospital visit is scheduled for Birmingham Children's Hospital on Saturday 26 September.
Matthew said: “We know how hard this is going to be. But when you know who you’re doing it for, stopping doesn’t feel like an option. We are running for the kids who can't, and every step is about making sure these families know they aren't alone.”
The run will finish at West Midlands Safari Park during an event marking the fifth anniversary of The Azaylia Foundation.
The charity was founded following the death of Azaylia Diamond Cain from cancer in 2021. She was eight months old.
Dominik Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of The Azaylia Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Matthew and Joe for taking on this phenomenal challenge. Fundraising like this is absolutely essential to our work.
“The awareness and funds raised from these extraordinary efforts are what allow us to continue making a difference, funding life-saving treatments, backing pioneering research, and being a pillar of support for families navigating childhood cancer.”
Joe and Matthew have set a £30,000 fundraising target, with donations going to The Azaylia Foundation.
Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/cea9ac8ed
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