Two men from the local area have completed one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of their lives after running 412 miles in just nine days to raise money for children fighting cancer.
Matthew O’Connor, from Whitworth, and Joe Hughes, from Oldham, tackled the gruelling challenge in aid of childhood cancer charity The Azaylia Foundation, running an average of almost 50 miles everyday along Britain’s canal towpaths.
The pair set off from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital before making their way across Britain, eventually crossing the finish line at West Midlands Safari Park on Sunday, September 27.
Their epic journey has raised thousands of pounds for The Azaylia Foundation, which funds life-saving treatments, supports pioneering research and provides vital support to families affected by childhood cancer.
The challenge also saw Matthew and Joe visit four major children’s hospitals along the route – Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Oxford Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
At each hospital, they hand-delivered Jessie’s JoyJars, bringing the initiative to the UK for the first time.
The plastic jars are filled with brand-new, age-appropriate toys, games and activities, designed to bring moments of joy, kindness and comfort to children undergoing treatment.
Matthew said: “We knew how hard this was going to be, but crossing that finish line is a feeling we will never forget.
“Every time our legs wanted to give up, we thought of the children we met on the wards. We ran for the kids who can’t, and seeing the support from everyone over the last nine days has been overwhelming.
“We just want to make sure these families know they aren’t alone.”
The emotional finish coincided with The Azaylia Foundation’s fifth-anniversary celebrations, with more than 400 people attending the event at West Midlands Safari Park to welcome Matthew and Joe across the finish line.
The celebration featured live music from Sol and the Gang and Jason Allen, as well as a special mural painted live by Mr Murals.
Dominik Byrne, chief executive officer of The Azaylia Foundation, praised the pair for their achievement and the impact of their challenge.
He said: “We are incredibly proud of Matthew and Joe for completing this phenomenal challenge.
“The awareness they have raised and the joy they have brought to the hospital wards is immeasurable. The funds raised from this extraordinary effort are absolutely essential, allowing us to continue making a difference for children who simply cannot wait.”
Matthew and Joe are continuing to raise money following their challenge, to support their fundraising visit: https://gofund.me/cea9ac8ed
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