AN Ingleton dad ran the length of four marathons to raise £1,500 to raise money for a charity that helped his family when his son was born 11 weeks premature.
Darren Frankland, who is general manager of The Wheatsheaf pub in Ingleton, was joined by his duty manager Helena Whitfield running 118 miles throughout September to raise £1,520 for the charity Bliss.
As part of this year's fundraiser for Bliss, raising money for sick and premature babies, Darren and Helena were set challenge to run 75 miles in September.
But when Darren smashed that target last year, he decided to make life more difficult for himself and run the distance of four marathons in September instead.
Darren’s son Dougie is a twin-less twin born almost 11 weeks premature, and the Ingleton dad said Bliss was amazing with the support and advice they gave his family during what he described as the “longest six weeks of their lives” while his son was in NICU at Preston Hospital.
Darren said: “Dougie was born 11 weeks premature, and the charity helped look after our family when he was sick. They were absolutely amazing.
“It was a difficult time for us as we also had Annie, who was two years old at the time.”
Darren, who has raised money for Bliss through other fundraisers, was pleased that Helena had agreed to join him on the run.
The intrepid duo hosted a finish line party at The Wheatsheaf on Sunday, September 29, breaking the tape that day having achieved their goal of 104.8 miles each. They actually had run a total of 118 miles.
Dougie and his older sister Annie held the finishing ribbon for them to run through.
Darren said: “It was great and went really well. We ran the length of four marathons and then some over the month of September.
“We ran routes around Ingleton following country lanes and backroads, but as you know, Ingleton is bit hilly.
“We finished with no injuries, which was an accomplishment, and had a party at the pub afterwards.
Darren added: “We also did a charity run for Bliss last year. My wife Jane and I were going to run 60 miles each.
“But then Jane broke her shoulder, so I finished off her miles for her which is why I knew I could run the length of four marathons this year.
“We’re planning to run again next year, but we’re trying to work out how we’ll beat what we did this year. I’m sure we’ll find a way.”
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