Our fantastic fundraiser Richard Dawson has raised more than £1,200 – six times his original target – to support refugees and asylum seekers across Tyne and Wear by completing a gruelling 48-mile challenge. Richard ran four miles every four hours around the clock this weekend, the equivalent of almost two marathons!
Richard took on the 4x4x48 Challenge from his home in Roker, near Sunderland, in aid of Action Foundation. He said:
“It’s been a brilliant experience and I’ve really appreciated everyone cheering me on over the course of the weekend. The 4x4x48 is a challenge in every sense of the word. It feels incredibly satisfying to have completed it and to have raised so much money for Action Foundation. Physically, there was a lot to contend with in terms of fatigue and muscle ache. But this is one hundred per cent a mental challenge.”
“The night runs are relentless and running the full 48 miles by myself was quite lonely at times. But each time the sun came up for the 8am run, I got a new lease of life and felt like I could keep going. When I made it through the second 4am run, I knew I had the challenge in the bag.”
The 4x4x48 Challenge is the brainchild of former US Navy SEAL and endurance athlete David Goggins who set it up in 2020. The idea is that everyone taking part around the world runs it at the same time and raises money for their chosen charity.
Richard, who works for the business support organisation UMi in Seaham, smashed through his £200 target to raise an incredible £1,245. In a video Richard recorded for social media he said: “A huge thank you to everyone who’s donated. It’s far more than I ever thought we would be able to raise.
“If you’re anything like me you will have been following the news about Ukraine and feeling pretty horrified about what you’ve seen. It’s going to create lots of refugees coming to this country and coming to the North East, I imagine. So charities like Action Foundation are going to be needed more than ever and this money is going to a very worthwhile cause. Thank you so much for everyone’s support.”
Our Fundraising and Grants Officer, Abi Walker, said she was thrilled Richard had enjoyed the run and exceeded his target to such an extent. “It’s an amazing accomplishment and on behalf of everyone here at Action Foundation we’d like to say a huge thank you to Richard.
“The horrific events in Ukraine have really highlighted the importance of welcoming refugees within our communities. Now, more than ever, this fundraising challenge is so meaningful.”
Richard’s GoldenGiving fundraising page remains open for the time being, if you would still like to donate.
