Sheffield dad who ran half marathon every day for a week raises over £3000 for charity

A dad-of-three has raised more than £3000 for Sheffield's charity Amy's House after completing his challenge, which was to run 13 miles a day for seven days in a row.
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Neil Rhodes of Ecclesall said although the challenge had left him physically and mentally drained, the end result was rewarding.

The seven-day streak Half Marathon challenge started on February 22 (Monday) and ended on February 28 (Sunday).

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The 44-year-old garage owner said it was particularly challenging, especially when going up the hills and running on a windy day.

Neil Rhodes (far right) with Dean Bagley (far left) who helped him raise funds for Amy's House, Jayne Beckett (Amy & Molly’s mum) and Michael Monaghan (chairman of Amy’s house.Neil Rhodes (far right) with Dean Bagley (far left) who helped him raise funds for Amy's House, Jayne Beckett (Amy & Molly’s mum) and Michael Monaghan (chairman of Amy’s house.
Neil Rhodes (far right) with Dean Bagley (far left) who helped him raise funds for Amy's House, Jayne Beckett (Amy & Molly’s mum) and Michael Monaghan (chairman of Amy’s house.

He said: "On Tuesday, the second run, it was very windy, definitely was one of the hardest days..I got a little pull in my calf.

"Then it was a little bit of struggle on Saturday..it was just so tiring, the amount of time I spent on running and when I got home, I just started falling asleep.

"I suppose, it felt like you did it one morning, the next morning and the next morning. It's a bit of struggle, but I got there in the end. It's just tough I must say. Very tough."

A signed Sheffield United jersey that has been put up for a bid.A signed Sheffield United jersey that has been put up for a bid.
A signed Sheffield United jersey that has been put up for a bid.
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Neil also admitted that he was on a brink of giving up as the pain in his calf slowed down his run, on the second last day of the challenge.

"But I guess it's just mind over matter. It was just going through the pain and it was taking me longer," he said.

Asked if he'd embark on a similar challenge such as this, he immediately said, "No."

"Definitely no. I'd do another challenge but not this," he laughed.

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He said when he reached the finish line on Sunday, a few people from the charity were present to cheer him.

"The donation also keeps going up so it's been really good."

He said he will keep the fundraising page open so people could keep donating.

He also put up a signed Sheffield United jersey up for a bid and the proceeds will go towards the charity on the fundraising page.

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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.

To support Neil and his campaign, please go here.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor

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