A DETERMINED 19-year-old from Redditch has completed an extraordinary challenge by running seven marathons on seven consecutive days to raise cash for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Matthew Smith from Hunt End undertook the feat in tribute to his granddad John Smith who is living with dementia.
He kicked off his challenge with the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 27, finishing the race – his first ever official marathon – in just over four and a half hours.
He then powered through six more marathon-distance runs around Redditch, with his final 26.2-mile effort completed on May 3 at Arrow Valley Country Park.
For the final one, he was cheered on by friends, family, and fellow runners from the local parkrun community.
Matthew, an experienced casual runner, trained for four months – on and off – for the gruelling week-long test of endurance, determination, and heart.
He said: “I’m raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK because my Poppa has been suffering with Alzheimer’s for a number of years.
“We’ve had to watch him lose the identity of the great man he is.
“Running this challenge gave me a way to fight back – to raise awareness and help fund research that could one day lead to a cure.”
Each day brought a new route and a fresh set of physical and mental hurdles.
From long runs along the canal towpaths to 106 laps around Abbey Stadium’s track, and evening circuits of Morton Stanley Park, Matthew’s creative planning meant his friends and family could regularly join in and support him on his journey.
Matthew added: “Some days were incredibly tough, but I tried to stay as positive as possible.
“I just kept telling myself: take it one step at a time.
“The goal has always been to raise as much awareness and money as I can.”
Matthew is now urging the local community and beyond to support his campaign by donating to his JustGiving page. So far, he has already raised more than £3,000 but he wants to generate as much as possible for the cause.
Visit: justgiving.com/page/mattsmith7in7 to pledge cash – every penny raised will go directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
