Navy officer takes on ultra-marathon for Chestnut Tree House

James Routley is taking on Fortitude, a 10-hour ultra-running challenge to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.

He will rack up anything from 30 to 50 miles during the run which will take place in March and is almost twice the length of a normal marathon.

Chestnut Tree House cares for children with life-shortening conditions and their families in Sussex and South East Hampshire.

James, from Bristol, said he knew a family who had been cared for by the hospice.

He said: "I wanted to raise funds for the children’s hospice as I know that they help families spend precious time together and provide ongoing support for families after they have been bereaved.

"They are a lifeline for so many families.”

James, from Bristol, said he knew a family who had been cared for by the hospice

"I’ve seen first hand, having known a family that have been cared for by the hospice, the difference that Chestnut Tree House makes to children and families."

It costs over £4.6 million each year to provide all Chestnut Tree House’s specialist care services.

Families are never charged for their care and only a small percentage of the cost of care is funded by central government.

James added: "I’m looking forward to the event. I trained in gymnastics for about 19 years, I was even selected to represent Great Britain.

"So to train, I have been working on building my endurance, I have been doing a lot of swimming to increase my lung capacity, and at every opportunity I get, I hit the tarmac and running.

"It’s so motivating knowing that the money I will be raising will be making such a difference to children who need hospice care.

"Chestnut Tree House gives children with life-shortening conditions the chance to build memories with their family that they will treasure forever.”

To support James on his fundraising journey, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-routley