Derby father completes 10 marathon challenge

A father has completed his challenge of running 10 marathons in 10 consecutive days raising £5,000 for Rainbows.

On Sunday 25 October, James Spray (41), completed the incredible task, clocking up 262 miles over 41 hours and 30 minutes. James devised a three-mile circular route around the streets near Rolls-Royce in Derby. 

To date, James has raised over £5,000 for the work of our hospice.

“It has been tough but it has been an absolute pleasure to take on this challenge for Rainbows,” said James. “I did enjoy some parts but it certainly wasn’t easy running through injuries and there was a lot of monotony. But I kept focussed and remained positive.

“My drive was the end game and raising as much money for the hospice as possible. That is what kept me going. Rainbows is such a fantastic charity.”

James was joined on the challenge by friends, family, colleagues and members of Sinfin Running Club – which James has been a part of for 11 years.

He added: “There are so many people I need to thank, including everyone who has sponsored me. But I also want to thank my wife, Susan, and my daughter, Abigail; Benz Bavarian, in Duffield for sponsoring me; everyone at Sinfin Running Club and also my sports therapist Helen Newbold. She worked on my legs every night and kept me going physically through this.

“Rolls-Royce is also going through a challenging time, yet I had the full backing off the executive team and colleagues in supporting Rainbows. Many other employees are also playing their part in other fundraising initiatives.”

Ali Furlong, Head of Community and Events at Rainbows, said: “James has been incredible, there is no other word for it. He has accomplished an amazing feat and he should be so proud of himself. His determination and focus was unbelievable. I ran a couple of kilometres with him and could barely keep up!

“The money that James has raised is gratefully received and on behalf of all of the families that use Rainbows, I thank him. Raising money in this climate is difficult and the support of people like James is vital.”

It is not the first time the Rolls-Royce engineer has attempted an endurance mission. In April, he ran two marathons in his back garden in two days dressed in scrubs, raising £5,500 for the NHS.

People can still sponsor James at justgiving.com/fundraising/tenmarathonjames