Phil Green has raised £1,261 for St Elizabeth Hospice in memory of his friend and fellow Stowmarket Strider, Mark Hughes, by running four miles, every four hours for 48 hours as part of the David Goggins 4x4x48 endurance challenge.
Taking place between 16th and 18th June, Phil’s challenge saw him complete 12 laps of a route around the hilly trail paths of Great Finborough throughout a period of 48 hours.
Phil took on the challenge, for the independent Suffolk charity, in memory of his friend Mark Hughes who received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until his death in 2022, after having being diagnosed with incurable kidney cancer.
“The staff at the hospice did an amazing job,” said Mark’s partner, Jacqui. “They had lots of laughs and jokes with Mark. They even arranged a trip to RAF Lakenheath which he had always wanted to do.”
Phil, who lives in Stowmarket, said: “There are no words that could thank St Elizabeth Hospice enough for the support they gave Mark, Jacqui and their whole family.
“I was happy to complete the 4x4x48 challenge and have been so pleased to raise over a £1,000 for a great charity. The challenge was a tough one, especially in the warm weather.
“Thank you to everyone that donated. A massive shout-out to all those that came out and ran a lap or three with me at all hours of the day and night – that really kept me going!”
All the funds raised have been donated to St Elizabeth Hospice, which every year delivers specialist palliative care to more than 3,000 people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, and their families, throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
Kelly Nekrews, Community Fundraising Assistant at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Congratulations and well done to Phil for completing his 4x4x48 challenge. He has done brilliantly to raise such a fantastic amount for the hospice as well as completing such a physically tough challenge.
“All the funds will make a difference as we continue to evolve and expand our services to support more people throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, during difficult times in their lives.”