If you have ever run a marathon or even a half marathon you will know the dedication it takes to train and the pain you put your body through on the day to complete the run itself.

Imagine running seven marathons in seven days back-to-back. That’s a minimum of 26.2 miles every single day for a week. This may sound crazy but it’s the goal of Tom Stafford from Cheltenham, who is taking on this huge challenge to raise money for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.

On Monday 6th April Tom will set off running from Buckingham Palace with Paris firmly in his sights. His aim is to make it to the French capital to run the Paris marathon on Sunday 12th April where he will complete this epic challenge.

Commenting on his fundraising effort Tom said: “Following the loss of my brother Paul, and sister-in-law Louise’s baby last June I wanted to do something that not only challenged my body but that would encourage people to donate and help raise money for Sands who were a huge support to Paul and Louise.”

Over 5700 babies were stillborn or died within the first 4 weeks of life in the UK in 2013. That’s over 100 babies every week whose families’ lives are devastated with lifelong consequences.

Sands operates throughout the UK supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby and promotes research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.

“The efforts of our fundraisers never fail to amaze us here at Sands. As a charity we rely on the wonderful generosity of our supporters to continue our work.

“To take on a massive challenge such as running 7 marathons in 7 days is fantastic. We would like to wish Tom, who is fundraising in memory of baby Lottie, all the best,” Carolyn Bray, Fundraising Manager at Sands.

To donate to Tom please visit https://www.justgiving.com/lottiesrun/.

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For more information or to arrange an interview with Tom Stafford please contact media@uk-sands.org

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