Man runs blindfolded to raise funds for hospice

A 24-year-old man from Staffordshire has run the equivalent of more than three marathons in 24 hours, whilst blindfolded, to raise money for a charity.

James Lewis ran about 82 miles around a 400m running track in Rugeley in aid of St Giles Hospice in Lichfield.

He achieved the feat despite an injury that temporarily stopped him in his tracks about halfway through.

Mr Lewis hopes once all donations are counted he will have raised more than £10,000 for the hospice.

If confirmed, he said the run would mean he had secured a Guinness World Record for the furthest distance run in 24 hours whilst blindfolded – but he still has to submit video evidence for official adjudication of his efforts.

His father was treated by the hospice in 2011, and he said it was an obvious choice when he was considering a cause to support.

He said: “I was surprised by how pretty and how fancy it looked. It’s a great place for people to spend their final days in.”

He said it was in dire need of funds, citing recent redundancy plans announced by the hospice and others in the region.

Mr Lewis also ran continuously for 24 hours last year - without a blindfold - to raise money for the hospice at the same outdoor track at Brereton Park.

He said the idea of running with a blindfold came about during training for this year’s run.

Emma Yates, deputy director of income generation at St Giles Hospice said the charity was thrilled by Mr Lewis’ support.

“In these challenging times, with hospices facing significant funding shortfalls, supporters like James are needed more than ever,” she said.

“His efforts to raise thousands of pounds are invaluable and will make a real difference to the care we provide.”

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