Keen runner aims to complete 2,021 miles in 2021 for Northampton Hope Centre

A keen runner has challenged himself to jog 2,021 miles this year to raise money for Northampton Hope Centre.

Gary Herbert has already ran more than 200 miles since January 1, but will have to keep up an average of 40 miles a week or 160 a month to reach his goal.

The 43-year-old father from West Hunsbury is used to running challenges having done many over the years for his son, Lewis, who is severely disabled.

But he decided to support another worthy cause this year while reflecting on the plight of homeless people, especially during the winter and the pandemic.

"It must be horrendous to sleep rough overnight in these temperatures we've got at the minute, I watch my lad playing football for an hour and that's bad enough," he said.

"So I can't imagine what it's like for homeless people so I wanted to raise money for the Hope Centre who do brilliant work and get as many hot meals as possible."

Gary said he often sees rough sleepers on his running route which hit home how many people can fall on hard times and that it can happen to anyone.

He hopes his challenge will raise awareness of that and break down stigmas about what type of person is affected by homelessness or what causes it.

Running also helps Gary with his own mental health so he sees the effort as a win-win for himself and the Hope Centre.

Lockdown has allowed him to bank plenty of miles by going for a 10-mile run four or five times a week, which has had a toll on his body already.

But he is determined to keep it up when lockdown ends and when weekends are taken up with taking his children to their various sports matches.

"I reckon this will be the hardest challenge I’ve ever done and it maybe a bridge too far, but as always I’ll give it everything I have to complete the challenge," he said.

"I know there will be some very tough times during a lot of my runs this year, but it won’t even come close to what the homeless must go through on a daily basis."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/running2021milesin2021fornhc.