Marathon man Jim completes fundraising challenge

Jim (right) at the finish line of the event
Jim (right) at the finish line of the event

Senior Substance Misuse Practitioner Jim Fletcher has raised over £800 for Yorkshire Cancer Research after completing a gruelling three-day 85 mile ultra marathon challenge.

Jim (59) ran more than a marathon a day (over 28 miles) in The Druids Challenge Ridgeway Multistage Ultra 2015, in memory of his late father Edward Fletcher, who passed away from cancer two years ago.

Jim said: “My dad received some excellent care during his illness, so I’m delighted to have raised so much money for such a worthwhile charity to help other people across Yorkshire avoid, survive and cope with cancer.”

The Druids Challenge goes cross country over three consecutive days taking in the beautiful scenery of the Chiltern Hills with over 7,000 feet of ascent and descent.

Jim added: “I’ve run marathons before, but never anything like this, it really was a major test of fitness and endurance.

“From making my way through a forest in the dark, with only a small head torch to light my way for the last three miles on the first day, to running along the top of the Chiltern Ridge, taking in the stunning landscape as the sun broke through the clouds, with soaring red kites for company on the final day – I experienced lots of highs and lows along the way.

“It was a very proud and emotional moment to finally cross the finish line and be presented with my Druids medal, surrounded by my fellow competitors, family and friends.”

There is still a chance to support Jim and donate via his Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Jim-Fletcher1/