40 marathons in 40 weeks

Damian Thacker, of Hathersage, is raising funds for the burns unit at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

He pledged to take on the mammoth task his two–year–old son, Jem, was treated at the unit last year.

The youngster was injured after accidentally knocking tea over himself.

The toddler was under the watchful eye of specialists at the hospital, who treated him for burns which covered his face, right shoulder, arm and abdomen.

Jem is now recovering at home, having spent ten days in hospital, however he still has to wear a compression suit and receives ongoing treatment at the hospital.

Damian, 40, said: “After seeing how well Jem was looked after, I just wanted to give something back to the unit.

“With it being my 40th birthday this year I just thought, ‘Why not go for 40 marathons?’

“I think my wife thought I was mad but she agreed that it was a very worthy cause and meant a lot to the both of us.”

Damian, who will help the unit through The Children’s Hospital Charity, has already run five of his 40 marathons and will complete his final race on Jem’s third birthday in December.

David Vernon–Edwards, director of The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The huge challenge Damian is undertaking shows true determination – one marathon is no easy feat but 40 in as many weeks will be an amazing achievement and all of us at The Children’s Hospital Charity wish him well with his remaining races.

“We are always overwhelmed by the support we receive from members of the public through fundraising effort and generous donations.”

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