Farnworth man ran 8 miles a day for Bolton Hospice

Eddie Birchall took on the task at the beginning of 2023, which is the equivalent of more than two marathons a week, or 100 marathons a year. 

Aged 59, the New Bury native kept up with the challenge throughout the year, all the way through to New Year's Eve, when he was greeted at the finish line by his family and friends. 

By the end of the challenge, he had raised more than £3,000 for Bolton Hospice. 

Eddie said: "I'm glad I've completed it, relieved. 

"I've done nothing like that before, every day, but I am still out now three days a week. 

On a run with his dog, Skybo (Image: Public)

"It was brilliant, lots of people came out. Some kids met me at the top of the road and ran with me, then at the end we had a buffet. 

"I've got a full-time job, but when I got up I was out straight away, no matter the weather. 

"I set myself this challenge and said if I got to six months, I would then do it for a local charity. I got to six months and said now I'll do it for Bolton Hospice." 

He added: "The target was £3k, I struggled at first to get there but as soon as it came to the last few weeks, people were putting money in and we got to £3,240. 

Holding the Olympic Torch for London 2012 (Image: Public)

"I'm chuffed with that. People have been donating, a few donated two to three times. 

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"It helps, every bit helps, even though it is nowhere near what the hospice needs. But I am just one person who raised this, if other people can do the same then it adds up." 

He added: "I used to run the youth club at the New Bury community centre. 

"I did 30 years with them and 18 years at the boxing club, it was my second home. 

"Every six weeks, we used to do challenges. Because the youth club and the boxing club are no longer running I'm doing it for myself. 

"I didn't want to do nothing, I wanted to carry on doing stuff." 

Eddie will be taking part in a new challenge this year as well. 

He said: "I have already got one planned for July, eight cyclists are going to do Lands End to John O'Groats. 

Crossing the line on his last run (Image: Public)

"I have done that before, with kids from the youth club aged only 14 or 15 at the time, they did it with all their own stuff on their backs. 

"This time I think we'll have a support car." 

Eddie thanked everyone who donated to his fundraiser. 

Kathryn Willett, supporter relationships manager at the hospice, said: “What an inspiration Eddie is, eight miles a day is a huge challenge.

"We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to raising funds for Bolton Hospice, congratulations on an incredible achievement!

"Every pound that has been donated will directly help patients and their families staying at the inpatient unit, using our flexible drop-in sessions at the wellbeing hub and our important Hospice at Home service.

"It’s only thanks to the generosity of Eddie and others like him in our community that we can continue to provide the very best hospice care for everyone in Bolton. Thank you for your fantastic support!”