It's 12 marathon's in 12 month's for Joe

Meet Joe, one of our inspirational runners taking on the Yorkshire Marathon this year for a cause very close to his heart, the Children’s Hospital Charity.

Back in 2021, Joe was working as an Operating Department Practitioner at Sheffield Children's Hospital and had seen first-hand all the great work and support that the charity provided for so many. On the back of the pandemic and realising that he wanted to give something back, Joe embarked on a year-long fundraising challenge. 

"But what could be bigger than 10x crazy running and fitness challenges over a year-long fundraising attempt where we raised over £2500!"

Coming into 2024 with a niggle to complete another charity fundraiser, Joe knew that he wanted to do something even more challenging! 

Since the start of the year, Joe has been running a minimum of 26.2 miles, with a few ultra-marathons thrown in, just for the fun! These include a mixture of formal events, combined with just going out and running the mileage on his own or with friends.

“Well this year has started and I've had this niggle. This voice in the back of my mind to do something big again and make a difference. Of course, even though I no longer work for the Hospital, TCHC was the first charity to come to mind. But what could be bigger than 10x crazy running and fitness challenges over a yearlong fundraising attempt where we raised over £2500!

Thought long about this and I thought, what could I do that is challenging? And I mean truly challenging for me. To the point where I think some of you may even doubt that I am capable?”

Since the start of the year, Joe has been running a minimum of 26.2 miles, with a few ultra-marathons thrown in, just for the fun! These include a mixture of formal events, combined with just going out and running the mileage on his own or with friends.

“One of the key events and one I'm really looking forward to is the Yorkshire marathon. 

"It'll be my 10th marathon of the year and Yorkshire is a very special marathon for me and it's where I currently hold my PB. 

So far, we've raised over £1500 so are almost half way to the target of £3000 which will all help massively towards the care of unwell children of our region. 

"As a former worker of the hospital, in my role as an Operating Department Practitioner in the operating theatres, I saw first-hand the massive impact the charity has on direct patient care. It's for this reason that I have been a long-standing supporter of the charity. 

"My mission this year is to raise as much as possible for the Charity as well as inspire others to take in challenges and fundraise because every little bit really helps.

"I sincerely appreciate any support, donations, likes and shares on social media. And if you'd like to follow my ventures my Instagram & TikTok handles: @Joeleerunning

"Like with my challenges back in 2021, everything I do is with the charity and the children under the care of the hospital who show courage and bravery each and every single day”

Good luck Joe, we can’t wait to cheer you on across the finish line!

To support Joe on his fundraising mission for the Children’s Hospital Charity, click here

Entries are still open for this year’s Yorkshire Marathon, taking place on Sunday 20^th October. To enter and find out more click here