Man runs 5k every day for a year to raise £24k for hospice which cared for mum

A runner has completed his challenge of running 5km every day for a year to raise funds for the hospice which cared for his mother 10 years ago.

Brad Hickman has completed a 5k run every day for the last year in memory of his mother Kim. She was cared for at Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge. Brad is pictured centre front with supporters

Brad Hickman finished his challenge on May 11, but did one final run on Sunday – 16.5 miles from Stourbridge Crematorium to Villa Park, where his late mother was a season ticket holder.

He also ran around Villa's training ground with assistant manager and England legend John Terry.

Dozens of friends took part in the final run with Brad, who has smashed his target of £500 and raised more than £24,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice.

It is the hospice which supported his mother Kim Ralph 10 years ago before she died from a brain tumour at the age of 43.

Brad, a 27-year-old branch manager from Stourbridge, said: "The hospice supplied the end of life care for my mum 10 years ago, they looked after her for two weeks.

"They made her feel comfortable when she wasn't well enough to look after herself.

Brad completed his challenge by running from Stourbridge to the Aston Villa ground, stopping at significant stops on the route, including the hospice

"For myself and my sister who was 10, they did a lot to make us feel comfortable and make us enjoy the final few days.

"I've always wanted to do something but it's finding something that feels right.

"On Sunday I did the grand finale run, there was about 70 people who joined along the way, from Stourbridge Crematorium to Villa Park.

"She was a season ticket holder at Villa so it felt right. We got there on Sunday just as people were heading into the ground, so the atmosphere was nice.

"On my last run I ran around Villa's training ground with John Terry.

"Over the year we've had quite a bit of bad weather but it's been good. It was tough in places.

"My target initially was £500 and I was so happy to hit that.

"I'm going to try and get a marathon in over the next couple of months too. I'm going to keep running anyway."

Ruth Longville, business partnership fundraiser for Mary Stevens Hospice, said: "When Brad contacted us 12 months ago he wanted to raise £500 and now he's on £24,000, which will be nearer £28,000 with gift aid.

Brad Hickman has completed a 5k run every day for the last year in memory of his mother Kim. She was cared for at Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge

"As a hospice we're exceptionally grateful for his fundraising, but it's not just the fundraising it's the awareness and raising the profile of the hospice during a difficult year."

For more information, or to donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/brad-hickman