Simon Hall running the equivalent distance of Manchester to Beirut for charity

Simon Hall

Simon Hall is aiming to raise as much money as possible for the National Autistic Society by running the equivalent distance of Manchester to Beirut: 3,650 km.

Cash donations raised will be donated to Springhill Hospice.

Simon, who works in Rochdale as a landscape gardener and groundworker, said: “I wanted to do a big challenge for charity. My youngest son was recently diagnosed with autism, which is why I chose the National Autistic Society, it is close to our hearts.

“I fell back into running about 18-months-ago when a friend raised money for Springhill Hospice and it spurred me on to do something. I also wanted to raise some money for the Hospice it is a local charity which does a really great job helping so many people.”

Simon, who has two sons, Dyllan, 11, and Isaac, eight, is documenting his progress via a diary, Si’s 10k-a-day, the average distance of his runs over the coming year.

The father-of-two continued: “The running has not really been the tough part, but it is the balance around it. My work means I have been getting up at 3am.

“I have only been out for three or four runs on my own so far. A number of people have joined me from people who are runners and those who have not been running for a while.

“Anyone who wants to join me on a run with a small donation can contact me through the page, which is where I will be documenting the highs and lows of the challenge.”

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

He added: “Littleborough is good to run around, and Hollingworth Lake is ideal for running because it’s so flat. I am just trying to focus on the distance as I am not racing.”

To donate, visit:

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