A FORMER rugby player and British Strongman has raised nearly £38,0000 completing 48 marathons in 48 counties in 48 days.

John Clark, a former Ripon Grammar School student, was raising funds for the Miles4Meals charity he set up to help tackle food poverty after living through it himself as a child.

The 34-year old has spent just under seven weeks running a daily marathon around each county in England.

He was joined by supporters along the way and battled through extreme conditions ranging from heatwaves to torrential downpours.

Reflecting on his mammoth challenge, Mr Clark said: "There’s huge relief at getting finished but also a tinge of sadness as I’ll miss the daily interactions with so many others that support our cause.

"The challenge was even more physically and mentally demanding as I expected but the support of so many people kept me moving forwards.

"From injuries, to blisters, to extreme wet weather conditions and heat waves there were new and interesting challenges almost daily but each day, 26.2 miles got finished regardless."

Mr Clark explained that the challenge wasn't just about raising funds for charity, but was also intended to raise awareness about food poverty.

He has first-hand experience of the issue when his family struggled to survive on benefits after his roofer father Alan broke his back and shattered his foot in a fall at work after scaffolding collapsed.

Mr Clark said: "Throughout the challenge; so many conversations were had, radio, television airtime given and newspaper columns written about the crisis this country faces and the 48 that it felt like we were genuinely making a difference.

"The 48 was about planting seeds around the country with the ambassadors, runners and schools that support the project.

"Our hope is that those that ran with me will go on to create their own Miles4Meals events in the future to continue the financial support and awareness raising that our nations foodbanks and charities need.

"In total, we have raised nearly £38,000 with this project which will make a huge difference to those in need."

Now based in Worcester, Mr Clark was crowned Britain’s Natural Strongest Man in 2015 and 2016 and played rugby for Malvern. He set up the Miles4Meals charity in May.

 

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