Sheffield dad to run Half Marathon everyday for a week for charity

Neil Rhodes of Ecclesall, who had helped key workers stranded in the snow by giving them a lift in his 4x4 previously, said he is raising funds for Amy's House.

Amy's House is a local charity that provides care and support for children (5-18 years old) with special educational needs and their families in Sheffield.

He said: "When I was playing cricket years ago, some would sponsor Amy's House mainly because it's for children with disabilities.

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"Another reason is I have three children myself and they don't know how lucky they are, so I'm trying to educate them that not everyone is on a level playing field."

The 44-year-old garage owner said he has set up a fundraising page, which has so far raised almost £800, way above his £500 target.

"I'm so proud that the campaign is doing well and I'm hoping to push it even further...this is something I've never done and I want to do it for charity," he said.

The half marathon challenge will see him run starting from his home on Murray Road and finishing in Endcliffe Park via Bingham Park and Forge Dam, past the Norfolk Arms and through the Dore village before hitting the home stretch.

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Neil said he is currently training himself ahead of the challenge, which will commence on February 22.

"It's going to be a massive test because it is all about the recovery time...I need to make sure that I drink plenty of water and my body's recovering and hopefully I'll get there.

"I'm going to need high sugar (snacks) or energy drinks so I don't collapse," he laughed, adding that he has been training for the past week.

Set up in 2005, the charity was inspired by Amy, a much loved little girl who sadly died in 1999 from meningitis.

Her younger sister Molly, was born with severe learning difficulties. The family could see how hard it was for Molly's Mum, Jayne so Amy and Molly's Grandad Maurice founded Amy's House to help families like theirs.

The charity has grown in size since.

To support Neil and his fundraising campaign, please visit here.

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