The South Shields 10-year old who has run for 50 consecutive days during Lockdown 3 to raise cash for cancer sufferers

Henry Hogan, 10, was aiming to pass the 200-mile mark, rounding off a more than 50-day consecutive running streak that started on January 11.

The youngster began his fundraiser, averaging four miles a day in Readhead Park, after his coaches at the Harton and Westoe Pythons football team challenged Henry and his teammates to keep up their fitness during Lockdown 3.

Henry’s dad says his son has run through hail, sleet, snow, gale-force winds and, more recently, an unseasonable spell of sunshine to raise the money for Cancer Research UK.

“There was no intention with this, in the beginning, to run every day,” a proud Lee Hogan told The Gazette

“It was just something that kind of started and it became something like, ‘Wow – how long can he keep going for?’

"The real impetus for this was his football team. His coaches set up the running group and it all went from there really.

"It’s pretty amazing when you think of the weather he’s been running through. We all knew Henry loves his football and he’s in almost every sports team going in the school - hockey, running, even skipping - but this is a great achievement he really deserves credit for.”

Commenting on the weather challenges of the past months, Henry said: “It’s felt tough when I’ve started on some of the coldest days, but it also felt great each day I finished.”

Henry’s teachers and coaches have praised his fundraising efforts, highlighting the 10-year old’s positive attitude and his success in balancing his other commitments.

“This is an outstanding achievement by Henry,” Pythons coach, Shaun Steavens, said.

"He’s always polite, well mannered and determined. He always listens to feedback.

"We have a fantastic squad and Henry is a credit to the team as well as his parents."

Nicole Park, head teacher at St Bede’s School, said: ''I am delighted that Henry has been keeping so fit during this lockdown alongside doing very well with his online school work.

"All of the teachers at St. Bede's are very proud of what he has achieved and the amount he has raised for charity.''

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