Dad to finish epic year of running thousands of miles for autism charity on New Year’s Eve

Simon Hall has raised thousands of pounds for the National Autistic Society by running 3,650 km

A runner who set the challenge of running the equivalent distance of Manchester to Beirut for charity earlier this year will be taking his final steps of the challenge on New Year’s Eve.

Simon Hall, who works in Rochdale as a landscape gardener and groundworker, set out earlier this year to run 3,650 km to raise as much money as possible for the National Autistic Society after his youngest son was diagnosed with the condition.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115287/simon-hall-running-the-equivalent-distance-of-manchester-to-beirut-for-charity

Simon will complete the final 10k on Monday morning where he began, running over the hills of Whitworth, around Watergrove Reservoir and back, finishing at the Red Lion pub at around 12.30pm. The pub will be open from 11am for those wishing to support Simon.

He will be joined by a group of supporters, running or walking all or part of the distance, all aiming to finish the challenge around a similar time.

Additionally, the dad of two has already smashed his £6,000 target with days to spare.

Whilst Simon and his wife Rebecca live in Bacup, most of his runs have centred around Whitworth, where they used to live, and Rochdale, covering distances around some of the local picturesque beauty spots like Hollingworth Lake, Cowm Reservoir and Healey Dell.

To donate, visit:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/si-hall-10k

Alternatively, text 70070 using code STKR66 followed by a £ and the donation amount.