Going round in circles!

Anyone who has tackled a 26+ mile marathon will tell you how exhausting it can be, but that the support of thousands of spectators and the constant change in scenery normally gets them through.

But imagine doing that same distance in a back garden that is only six metres long and surrounded by fencing?

That’s exactly what Welshpool man Dan Pritchard and his housemate and good friend, Liam Deery, did yesterday to raise thousands for the local NHS.

Both are teachers and Liam, 28, wanted to set an example to his students at the Priory in Shrewsbury about supporting good causes. He roped in Dan, 31, a Maths teacher at The Marches School, in Oswestry, to undertake the ‘2.6 Challenge’ which is encouraging Britain to get moving and support charities that are struggling for funds due to the ongoing pandemic.

Originally they set a target to run a marathon between them, but after four miles, Dan announced they would be doing a marathon EACH if they raised £1,000!

That was achieved comfortably and 9 hours and 40 minutes after starting, the pair had completed roughly 4,000 laps of their Shrewsbury garden to raise an astonishing £3,320 (including Gift Aid) for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Charity.

They switched directions every mile and even completed the final mile in dresses belonging to Dan’s girlfriend Lucy Rosaleen, who took these pictures and kept followers informed throughout the day.

“We planned to go out in the morning and run half a marathon, but the thought of inspiring the children in the schools we work in pushed us on to pledge to do a full marathon EACH in a 6m garden!” said Liam (pictured right in the tub). “Six metres isn’t much, but just shows what you can do if you remain resilient and put your mind to it. Nothing is a barrier!”

The pair had a well-earned drink at their Shrewsbury home following the challenge, and Dan added: “Hardest thing I've ever done. Six hours slower than the Manchester Marathon last year, but so pleased to have raised so much money for such an amazing cause in these crazy times.”

Have you done anything as crazy as this to raise money? Let us know at editor@MyWelshpool.co.uk.

If you would like to support the lads, you can donate at  https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage? userUrl=LiamDeery&pageUrl=1