A deputy head teacher from Lower Darwen has completed his year-long challenge of running five kilometres a day to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice, in memory of his former teaching assistant.

Gary Lloyd, 40, began the running challenge on May 1, 2022 following the death of Lynn White who worked with Gary at Longshaw Community Junior School.

Whatever the weather, Gary has completed at least a five kilometre run each day and is gearing up to complete his last run of the challenge today (April 30).

Speaking on his inspiration, Gary said: “In 2021 November, my teaching assistant at the time sadly passed and we were right next to East Lancashire Hospice so myself and a few other members of staff did a lot of fundraisers that month.

"I did do a running challenge then but I just wanted to do something extra.”

The hardest part of his challenge for Gary has been running during the winter months, as well as fitting in his daily runs around his job as a deputy head teacher.

Despite this, Gary says he has managed to stay motivated thanks to the support and encouragement from his family and friends and everyone who has donated.

He said: “The last few months, when my legs start to feel a bit tired, every time someone would send me a message or someone donates, it gave me that extra boost.”

Speaking on how running has benefitted his mental and physical health, Gary said: “My grandad sadly passed away three years ago yesterday so it’s been quite fitting that the challenge finishes around that time as well.

“But that was in the middle of Covid and I started walking because you had to just get out and then I tried a bit of running.

"It helped me clear my head during covid and after losing my grandad and then it just became a habit and helped me with my own mental wellbeing.

“So this started as something that would just get me out the house to something that is now for an amazing cause.

“It’s quite fitting because during the week I run past the school and around the hospice which is for my old teaching assistant Lynn White but at the weekends I go to Darwen Tower and run the Moors which my grandad loved and they're the two reasons I’ve done it.”

Gary shared the most memorable moments of the challenge were when people stop to have a chat with him while he was out on a run as well as overcoming the challenges of running in the rain and mud.

Gary said: “It amazes me how people are willing to donate their money to support someone who just goes out running in the rain.

“I think it’s amazing when you get supportive comments and from friends across the world, it just means so much and for it to be for the hospice who provide such amazing support for the people who are ill but also their families, if I can do anything to help it’s just fantastic.”

Gary will be finishing his final run today at around 10.30am at the hospice where his close friends and family will be.

To donate to Gary’s fundraiser, visit here.