Luton man's daily running challenge to raise money for the NHS

A runner from Luton has embarked on an audacious 1,000-kilometre challenge to raise money for the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

Sam Thomas, 25, is running an average of 20.5 miles (or 33k) every day for a month, and is hoping to generate at least £1,000.

“It was an idea that I came up with randomly while I was sat at home doing nothing during the lockdown,” said Sam.

“I felt that there were people out there still working hard, and I wanted to be in a similar boat. I wanted to work hard, but for a good cause.

“When this country goes into hard times, everyone clubs together, and that’s what fuelled this challenge for me.

“It might get a bit difficult if the government cancels all outdoor exercise. But my mum has given me permission to use the back garden at our home if necessary!”

Sam has worked in healthcare himself for the last five years, initially with the NHS. He is now a health screener for a private company, but was furloughed soon after the nationwide lockdown was imposed.

He is doing his runs early in the morning, setting off from his Luton home at about 5.30, and he completed his first, of 30 kilometres, last Wednesday.

Within 24 hours of setting up a JustGiving fundraising page online, he had been promised more than £600 worth of sponsorship donations.

“I didn’t expect to get £200, but people have really come through,” Sam said. “When I first considered running 1,000 kilometres in a month, it seemed crazy. But then I thought it was very doable if I put my mind to it.

“Although I don’t belong to a club, I am a keen runner and I have done a few half-marathons and a couple of marathons before.”

Sam is planning a different route, ranging from 10k to 50k, in advance for each day of his challenge, all within Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire.

The money raised will go to the Coronavirus Appeal of the National Emergencies Trust and passed on to help pay for the equipment needed by the NHS.

Sam added: “I want to add to the magnificent efforts of the NHS, and help to defeat this virus as soon as possible.”

To make a donation to Sam's Just Giving page click here.

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