Sheffield runner to complete two marathons in 48 hours to raise money for NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic

Ryan Hill, 32, from Wincobank has set himself the challenge of running 52 miles in a 48 hour period in order to raise money for essential workers battling coronavirus on the front line in Sheffield.

The runner, who works as an assistant site manager, will start the two marathons on Friday – setting off from Ingles Boxing Gym in Wincobank – where he will then return, 52 miles later.

Ryan will break up the distance by running shorter, five mile intervals across canals in the city, travelling up to Wentworth and neighbouring South Yorkshire towns to raise money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

The 32-year-old came up with the idea to fundraise for the NHS because members of his own family are hospital and social care workers, trying to keep people safe during the pandemic.

“Obviously with what's been going on you see people clapping every Thursday and I want to be to do something a little bit more and do something a bit more of a challenge”, Ryan said.

"My mum works for NHS and that type of thing and I've heard a couple of stories from friends where their mums are in intensive care so I really wanted to do something to try and raise a bit of money.”

The runner from Wincobank has raised more than £385 for the charity which supports the local hospitals and staff across the city working to save lives during the Covid-19 crisis.

Ryan, who has been furloughed, said he wanted to use his new-found spare time to achieve something out of the ordinary while also giving back to those fighting the virus on the front line.

The assistant site manager explained how he feels about the upcoming challenge.

“I think if I've got thoughts of NHS and everything that's going off, I'm sure there's people a lot worse off than what I will be.

"I'll grin and bear it and get through it basically, it will definitely, be completed I'm quite a strong willed person.”

To donate to Ryan’s fundraiser, click here.