Dudley runner raises £3,000 for those in need

Mark Fantom first took on the challenge last January by running 5k every day, helping him to raise £1,500 for the Dudley-based the Christmas Lunch Project.

But this year, Mark, who is a coach at Tipton Harriers, decided to up his challenge even further by instead running five miles a day.

His charity challenge helped to raise more than £3,000 for the Christmas Lunch Project which provides Christmas lunch hampers for needy families in Dudley and the Black Country.

Mark, 50, from Milking Bank, said: "It all started last year really, I woke up on New Year's Day and thought I fancied doing something positive. Everyone else was doing dry January, so I decided to run 5k every day in January for charity.

"I asked my friends for ideas of charities I could raise money for, and someone suggested the Christmas Lunch Project.

"I did it for 29 days in January 2019 and then I got injured – so I had to walk the last few days.

"I decided to up it this year – and decided to do five miles a day. Whether it was raining, snowing, icy or windy I got out there. I am a coach at Tipton Harriers and do a lot of running. But the challenge saw me double my mileage every week. Some of the children from Tipton Harriers helped me a lot and came out on my runs.

"I couldn't believe I raised£1,500 last year, and this year it was more than £3,000. I was astounded.

"I was amazed and the charity was over the moon.

"The Christmas Lunch Project go out delivering parcels and food hampers to poorer families. I helped out during December, just before Christmas. Seeing some of the families and the children, their faces, it brought me to tears. That's why I wanted to do it again.

"Hopefully the money will benefit those families again this Christmas."

He added: "It has been mentioned about upping it in January 2021. Maybe doing 10k a day, that has been suggested.

"But I haven't decided yet – I am still open to suggestions. I will be doing something though."