Men raise funds for poorly children this Christmas by running a 24 hour marathon around Doncaster

David Duffy and Wayne Martison ran 81.6 miles on November 14 around Doncaster Lakeside.

The pair raised £2,300 which they are donating to the Doncaster Royal Infirmary to buy presents for any children who have to spend Christmas in hospital this year.

David, who lives in Carcroft, said: “We both felt good during the run until we hit about 51 miles.

“Wayne’s knee went and he was sick with pain. I fainted after 60 miles.

“Despite all this we plodded on and managed to finish the whole 24 hours.”

The pair only stopped a few times to have a drink of water or to eat.

David said when they eventually crossed the finish line that he broke down emotionally due to the mental drain that the challenge had on him.

“My wife put me in the bath and I immediately fell asleep,” he said.

"I collapsed again and the pain in my feet and ankles has been awful.

“The day after I couldn’t walk and I’ve had to take it easy but I’m really proud that I managed to do it.

“Before this the most I had run was 30 miles.”

The duo were heavily supported by dog walkers and joggers who frequent the Lakeside area.

They put out a collection bucket which raised £309 on the day.

David said that the thought of where the money was going spurred the men on to keep running.

“Imagining the smiles on their little faces pushed us forward,” he added.

“The pain in every step was ridiculous but knowing that the money we raised is going towards helping children who will be in hospital this Christmas made us determined.

“Just thinking about the pain they’d be going through made our temporary pain seem irrelevant.”

David and Wayne are hoping to take toys to Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Christmas Day and spread some festive cheer to youngsters.

To donate to their fundraising target please click here.

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