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Tom Hunt has completed an extraordinary endurance challenge, running an incredible 850 miles the length of the UK in just 21 days. Averaging 40 miles a day, the equivalent of one and a half marathons every single day since 1 December. Tom has shown exceptional determination in support of his local NHS hospital and has so far raised over £19,400.
Tom took on the challenge to raise vital funds for the Leicester Hospitals Charity Parent Facilities Appeal, which aims to transform parent accommodation within the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The appeal will help to create private, comfortable spaces and to improve the existing overnight accommodation for parents of critically ill children, so that families can remain close to their loved ones during their stay in the hospital. It will ensure families have somewhere to go to away from the bedside but remain close during the most challenging moments of their lives.
The motivation behind Tom’s challenge was deeply personal. A passionate advocate for fitness and wellbeing, Tom has long believed in using physical challenges to make a positive impact. Having seen firsthand how important family presence is when his niece required care at Leicester Children’s Hospital, he was determined to give back in a meaningful way.
Tom said, “The whole journey has been amazing. The running and fundraising is me giving back to Leicester’s Hospitals. Showing my thanks and support for all the work they do. I’ve inspired myself, and I hope this inspires others as well.”
Sunita Patel, Head of Charity at Leicester Hospitals Charity, praised Tom’s achievement, saying:
“Tom’s accomplishment is nothing short of extraordinary. Completing a challenge of this scale requires immense resilience and commitment, and the impact of his efforts will be felt by families who rely on being close to their children during incredibly difficult times. We are extremely grateful to Tom and to everyone who has supported him along the way.”
Tom’s challenge was proudly supported by his colleagues at DGM Builders Ltd, who sponsored all travel and accommodation costs to ensure that every penny raised goes directly to the Parent Facilities Appeal. The team also rallied the NHS staff, other contractors to take part in a treadmill challenge to run alongside Tom during the final week of Tom’s challenge.
The DGM Team said, “DGM as a company has worked with the hospitals on different projects, and the team has seen for themselves what a difference good facilities can make for families needing to spend a lot of time there.”
“We are all so proud of Tom’s dedication and the incredible challenge he has taken on to raise money for an amazing charity.”
Tom has been overwhelmed by the encouragement and generosity shown by the local community throughout the challenge and hopes his achievement will continue to raise awareness and support for the appeal.
To support Tom’s fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-dgm-1
Over the weekend, Leicester Hospitals Charity was the chosen charity and featured on the front of shirts as the main sponsor during Leicester City’s men’s and women’s fixtures at King Power Stadium. The men’s first team took on Ipswich Town, while the women faced London City Lionesses. The Charity took the opportunity with the Club to raise awareness and vital funds for their Parent Facilities Appeal.
Following the weekend’s matches, Leicester City’s men’s first-team players visited Leicester Children’s Hospital on Wednesday 17 December, bringing festive cheer to young patients, their families and hospital staff. Joined by Filbert Fox, the players delivered Christmas gifts, shared smiles and spent time on the wards talking to parents, young patients and staff, creating moments of joy and excitement during the festive period.
