James Duddridge MP has run the distance of a marathon this week as part of a fundraising challenge for Southend homeless charity HARP.
The MP for Rochford and Southend East completed the remaining final 4.4 miles on Sunday, bringing his weekly total to 26.2 miles over the course of seven days.
James had been training for his second London Marathon, which was due to take place today (Sunday 26th April). However, the world-famous event was postponed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, the MP run the 26.2-mile route around Southend as part of the Two Point Six Challenge set up by the London Marathon and charities across the UK.
The fundraising challenge is asking people to complete an activity, while respecting Government's guidelines on social distancing, around the numbers 2.6 or 26 to raise money for a charity.
James said:
"I was supposed to be running the London Marathon, but sadly it was postponed, so I swapped the streets of London for the streets of Southend and spread the distance over the course of a week.
"The legs are feeling tired but it has been a fun challenge and I'd like to thank everybody for their support and donations to HARP.
"It's important we continue to support our local charities during this difficult period, and the Two Point Six Challenge has been a great way to do that, while respecting Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing."
Those who wish to donate to James' fundraiser can do so via justgiving.com/jamesduddridgeMP.
