Running challenge to raise money for Christmas presents

A dedicated fundraiser will be running the Wolverhampton Half Marathon to raise money to buy Christmas presents for the Children’s Ward at New Cross Hospital.

Earl Edwards has been raising money for charities by competing in different running races since 2005.

The 52-year-old from Codsall works as an activities co-ordinator at The Willows care home in Codsall and runs every night after clocking out.

He has raised more than half a million for charity since he started fundraising, including taking part in 20 London Marathons and counting.

His latest challenge is the Wolverhampton Half Marathon on 7 September. He will be doing the race with Adam Morgan and James Morgan.

Earl said: “I will be running in fancy dress, dressed as Simba from the Lion King.

“Everyone is struggling, everyone has their own problems, whether it’s them or someone they know that has cancer, mental health issues, has suffered a stroke, anything.

“I’ve lost a lot of good friends and family to heart conditions and illness over the last few years, so I want to do everything I can to help others.

“To be in hospital at Christmas must be awful, especially young children, so I would like to help raise money to buy the children presents.

“I always put 110 per cent in everything I do so I am hoping to raise £10,000.”

His former fundraising efforts have involved running the London Marathon with his three friends in 2014 dressed as characters from the film Cool Runnings, completing the course in just under six-and-a-half hours and raising money for Children with Cancer UK.

He has also done a bungee jump for Compton Hospice and ran 182 laps around Aldersley Stadium in just under 12 hours.

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer for Your RWTC, the registered charity of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “Thank you so much to Earl for thinking about us and challenging himself by taking part in the 10K.

“We wish him the best of luck. His support will truly make a difference to our youngest patients.”

To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/new-cross-hospital-childrens-ward