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Harry Grainger said he was doing it because the hospice is close to his heart.
Mr Grainger, who works for Royal Mail, said his initial target was to raise £200, but the response to his charity has been overwhelming. It has so far raised over £900 for the hospice.
The 54-year-old has named his mission ‘Run Fat Boy Run’.
He said: “As an overweight, alcohol abused middle aged man I have decided to push myself to the limit.
“2020 has been an awful year for everyone – there are so many amazing charities out there that have supported so many of us before, during and will continue to do so after this pandemic. There is one charity in particular that is close to my heart and that is St Michael’s Hospice in Basingstoke.
“They are a brilliant charity and have provided some special friends with the care and attention they deserved in their final days with us. My fitness has come on leaps and bounds so I decided to make my running worthwhile and raise some money for an amazing local charity in our community and in memory of those we have lost”.
Mr Grainger said his family has been supporting him during his fundraiser.
“They were over the moon and have been supporting me every step of the way! My friends have been amazing also – the words of encouragement have been so useful, especially on the days where my legs remind me just how old I am getting.”
Hi daughter Rianna said she was incredibly proud of her father.
“During the first lockdown that started in March he worked extremely hard on his fitness levels – walking every day to help him lose weight. He had gained weight in the last few years and was determined to lose weight and improve his fitness.
“In October he felt loads better in himself and had lost a considerable amount of weight so changed his daily walks to daily jogs and runs. Just before Christmas he decided that he wanted to run for a great cause and came up with the mission ‘Run Fat Boy Run’ which involves running 50 miles in the month of January 2021, raising money for an amazing local charity.
“Dad has received such great support and words of encouragement and we are very great full. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored already!”
If you wish to donate to Mr Grainger’s charity, you can do so by visiting his gofundme page.
