100km run through the night results in £575 being raised 

Running through the night and covering 100 kilometres in 16 hours has led to James Seager raising £575 for charity.

The father of three from Lawshall took on the challenge at Nowton Park clocking up a total of 40 loops of the park run route.

From 5.30 in the afternoon through to 9.30 the following morning James completed the 62 miles in 14 hours 13 minutes … beating his planned time of 15 hours.

He chalked up a total of 20 park runs and completed the final circuit in 27.31 minutes.

The money raised has gone to the My WiSH Charity, which supports the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and includes the hospital in Newmarket as well as the West Suffolk Hospital and community services, with it being directed towards the maternity ward at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

James, a member of the St Edmunds Pacers, decided to carry out the feat as a way of paying back the wonderful care and attention his 40-year-old wife Hayley received when giving birth to their daughter Bella.

“I just wanted to do it to give something back to the hospital and raise money to help the staff and ensure everyone received the same care my wife and Bella received whilst in their care,” he said.

“They were absolutely brilliant from the beginning to the end.”

He said his daughter’s birth was complex and at times dangerous and there were “life threatening” moments for the baby whose heart rate dropped.

It was hoped that Hayley, who had given birth to twin boys Bobbie and Jack at the hospital 11 years ago, was going to have a natural birth but it was decided that she would have a caesarean section as it was feared Bella may have the umbilical cord round her neck.

“Bella had got herself into a little pickle with the cord being wrapped twice round her leg but I am pleased to say she was delivered safely,” said the 46-year-old.

“The outcome was brilliant but it could have been different if it was not for the staff, so we wanted to raise money for the ward.”

His twin boys joined him on the first and final laps of the run and he paid tribute to his support team and thanked West Suffolk Council for keeping the park open for him during the night.

Bella, who was born on March 8, weighed in at 8lb 4oz and is doing fine and she is now the fifth person in her family to be born at the hospital along with her mother, father and brothers.

Tanya Fifield, fundraising officer for My WiSH, saw James off on his run and again the following morning as he completed his mammoth challenge. 

She said: “I am in awe of James, what a fantastic achievement. To run 62 miles is one thing but to do in overnight and on a loop of the same route is something else. We can’t thank James and his supporters enough for helping us support the maternity services.”

CAPTIONS

James Seager with his twin boys Bobbie and Jack.

James Seager at the end of his 100km run with baby daughter Bella and 11-year-old son Bobbie.

Photos: Seager Family.