Dad raises thousands of pounds for autism charity after running equivalent distance of Manchester to Beirut

A runner who set the challenge of running the equivalent distance of Manchester to Beirut for charity earlier this year has raised around £8,000 for the cause.

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/125109/dad-to-finish-epic-year-of-running-thousands-of-miles-for-autism-charity-on-new-years-eve
   
• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115287/simon-hall-running-the-equivalent-distance-of-manchester-to-beirut-for-charity

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.

The final 10k followed Simon’s starting route over the hills of Whitworth, around Watergrove Reservoir and back, finishing at the Red Lion Inn.

 

 

Simon will also be talking about his impressive feat on BBC Radio Lancashire at 11am on 7 January.

Simon commented: “Your messages of support and donations have been fantastic! Thank you all, and may it continue. I really couldn't have done this with the support of every single one of you.  

“I have an interview on BBC Radio Lancashire next week, so I'm hoping it may climb a little more yet.”

“I really want to say thank you some special people. There has been some fantastic ideas and events from Peter and Michelle Griffiths, who really do have a knack of sorting things out, and also Paul and Jo Sheerin, who helped so selflessly with arranging fundraising and publicity.

“The runners that carried me through my lowest points: Craig Venske, David Tulley, Richard Bingham, Ben Leech, James Riley, Darren Clancy and Neil Ashcroft.

“I’d also like to thank my dad, who turned up after work and early on the weekend mornings, and my wife, Becky, who has been so supportive over this year.”

To donate, visit:

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