100km run through the night results in £575 being raised
Running through the night and covering 100 kilometres in 16 hours has led to James Seager raising £575 for charity.
The 46-year-old father of three from Lawshall took on the challenge at Nowton Park, clocking up a total of 40 loops of the Parkrun route.
James completed the 62 miles, amounting to 20 Parkruns, running from 5.30pm through to 9.30am the following morning.
The money raised has gone to the My WiSH Charity, which supports the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and includes Newmarket Community Hospital, as the West Suffolk Hospital and community services, with it being directed towards the maternity ward at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds.
James, a member of the St Edmunds Pacers, decided to carry out the feat to repay the wonderful care and attention his 40-year-old wife Hayley received when giving birth to their daughter Bella.
“I just wanted to do something to give something back to the hospital and raise money to help the staff and ensure everyone received the same care my wife and Bella received whilst in their care,” James said.
“They were absolutely brilliant from the beginning to the end.”
He said his daughter’s birth was complex and at times dangerous and there were “life threatening” moments for the baby whose heart rate dropped.
It was hoped that Hayley, who had given birth to twin boys Bobbie and Jack, now 11 years old, was going to have a natural birth but it was decided that she would have a caesarean section as it was feared Bella may have the umbilical cord round her neck.
The delivery of the 8lb 4oz baby was a success.
“Bella had got herself into a little pickle with the cord being wrapped twice round her leg but I am pleased to say she was delivered safely,” said James.
“The outcome was brilliant but it could have been different if it was not for the staff, so we wanted to raise money for the ward.”
His twin boys joined him on the first and final laps of the run and he paid tribute to his support team and thanked West Suffolk Council for keeping the park open for him during the night.
Bella, who was born on 8 March, is doing fine and her birth completed a full house of the twins along with mum all being born at the hospital.
Tanya Fifield, fundraising officer, saw James off on his run and again the following morning as he completed the mammoth challenge. She said: “I am in awe of James, what a fantastic achievement.
“To run 62 miles is one thing but to do in over night and on a loop of the same route is something else. We can’t thank James and his supporters enough for helping us support the maternity services”.
