Northamptonshire man to run 12 marathons in 12 days to help homeless people this Christmas

A Northamptonshire man is preparing to run an incredible 12 marathons in 12 consecutive days to raise money for homeless people this Christmas.

Strength and conditioning coach Jack Leather will cover approximately 506 kilometres between December 1 and 12, running across Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire, London and Bath in support of homelessness charity Crisis.

Jack, who has called Northamptonshire home since he was eight years old, was inspired by his family's longstanding tradition of donating to homelessness charities every Christmas.

But this year, he decided he wanted to go considerably further.

"Every Christmas, my family gives to homelessness charities. It's something we've always done. This year I wanted to do more than give money," he said.

"Each day I'll run for four or five hours, then go home to a hot shower, a proper meal and a warm bed.

"I get to recover. Thousands of people won't get that this December. If someone can survive out there 24/7, I can run 12 marathons."

The challenge will include two Northamptonshire routes, with Jack planning to run around Pitsford Water on Sunday, December 6.

The following day, Monday, December 7, he hopes to start his marathon from Franklin's Gardens, home of Northampton Saints.

Jack and his family have been Saints season ticket holders since 2016, and he has contacted the club about his plans.

The challenge is being supported by sports nutrition and training brand Marchon, which will provide fuel for each marathon.

Jack hopes his efforts will highlight the difficulties faced by people experiencing homelessness, particularly during the winter months.

Crisis aims to support 5,500 people over the festive period, providing assistance ranging from health and wellbeing services to help finding accommodation.

Jack will document his preparations and the challenge itself on Instagram, sharing training diaries, recovery methods and updates from his runs.

He hopes the demanding physical challenge will encourage people to donate, however small the amount, and help provide support for those without a safe place to stay this Christmas.

Supporters can follow his progress on Instagram at @jack.leather or donate through his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/page/12in12-for-crisis-uk.