Running for Dad: Project 240 raises over £51,000 for Springhill Hospice
What started as a deeply personal challenge has become an extraordinary achievement not only for Alex and James, but for Springhill Hospice and the local community.
After six gruelling days, local lads Alex and James have officially completed their incredible 214-mile running challenge from Rochdale to London, finishing with the 2026 London Marathon and raising an astonishing £51,298.34 including Gift Aid for Springhill Hospice.
Setting off from Springhill Hospice on Tuesday 21st of April, the pair ran 214 miles over five days before arriving in London on Saturday and completing the London Marathon the following day. Together, they covered over 240 miles in six days – all in memory of Alex’s dad, Darren, whose final days were spent under the care of Springhill Hospice.
The duo’s original fundraising target of £26,000 was smashed thanks to overwhelming support from the community, with every penny helping Springhill Hospice continue providing compassionate care and support to patients and their loved ones, across Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.
Alex’s dad, Darren, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2012 at the age of just 45. Despite being told that one in three people diagnosed with MND would die within 3 years, Darren lived for another eight years before needing the support of Springhill Hospice in January 2020. Darren died on the 23rd January 2020 after spending one precious night at the Hospice – a night that left a lifelong impact on his family.
Speaking after completing the challenge, Alex and James said:
“We’re unbelievably proud to have represented Springhill and raised such an incredible amount for people in our community who need it most during the hardest times in their lives. It still doesn’t quite feel real, but I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. To everybody who supported us and the Hospice throughout this journey, thank you. Every donation, message, share and word of encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know.”
Project 240 also reflects Alex’s personal commitment to the Hospice’s future. In February 2024, Alex joined Springhill Hospice as their Head of Income Generation and Marketing, helping lead the Fundraising, Retail and Marketing teams to help secure the future of Hospice care locally.
Hospices across the UK continue to face significant financial pressures, with many services under threat due to rising costs and increasing demand. The incredible support shown through this challenge will help ensure Springhill can continue to provide specialist care, dignity and compassion to local people when they need it most.
What an amazing effort – well done Alex and James on completing such an incredible challenge!
