North East runner goes the distance for charity

A North Tyneside runner has gone the extra mile for a Newcastle charity, completing a gruelling 100km ultramarathon to raise more than £900 for people in need.

Sean Waller, 41, from North Shields, tackled the St Cuthbert’s Way Ultra – The Race Against the Tide in support of The People’s Kitchen, which provides food, clothing and practical support to vulnerable people across Newcastle.

The challenge saw Sean run from Melrose in the Scottish Borders to Holy Island in Northumberland, following the historic St Cuthbert’s Way through Northumberland National Park.

As well as covering 100km of challenging terrain, competitors faced strict time limits and the added pressure of reaching Holy Island before the incoming tide cut off access.

Taking on his first ultramarathon over the distance, Sean raised £753.60 in donations, with a further £153.40 in Gift Aid, bringing the total to more than £900.

He said: “My family and I think that the work The People’s Kitchen does is phenomenal and hugely important.

“I recently ran the 100km St Cuthbert’s Way Ultra to raise money for this amazing charity, and I hope this provides some support for the crucial work they do.”

The People’s Kitchen operates 365 days a year, providing around 300 hot meals daily alongside clothing, warm drinks and a welcoming space for people experiencing hardship.

Run entirely by volunteers and receiving no Government funding, the charity relies on donations and fundraising challenges to continue supporting those in need.

Sean added: “When I was running, I kept thinking about why I was raising funds for the The People’s Kitchen, it does such important work to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

His efforts follow another fundraising success for the charity, with 35 runners taking part in this year's Great North Run and raising £20,000.

Donations to Sean’s challenge can still be made through his JustGiving fundraising page, with proceeds supporting The People’s Kitchen’s year-round services.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.