Glossop fundraiser's run in the rain helps vital charity

Glossop man Neal Bann ran over 32 miles in the rain recently in order to raise money for Seafarers UK.

Seafarers UK is a charity that aims to provide vital support to seafarers and their families in need. According to the charity, the UK is highly dependent on these seafarers to supply food, medicine, fuel and other essential supplies. During the coronavirus pandemic, seafarers are officially classed as key workers.

According to BBC News, in May up to 2,000 seafarers were stranded on ships around the world when the coronavirus lockdown was first implemented. Not only this, but throughout the pandemic these workers are facing a wide range of challenges, with many being thousands of miles from home and unable to access the usual welfare services.

Neal, along with others around the country, was originally planning to embark on the 24 Peaks Lake District challenge before coronavirus ruined their plans.

Instead, once the lockdown exercise restrictions were relaxed in May, the participants began training for their individual challenges to raise money for the charity.

Neal made it his challenge to run the equivalent of the 24 Peaks around Glossop.

Along with the others nationally, Neal has smashed the original target of £3,500 and, so far, has raised more than £3,900 for Seafarers UK.

As he reached the end of his 32 miles on Hague Street, Neal was met by a ribbon finishing line held by his wife, Sally, and his two boys. Other members of his family were there to cheer him on and to even spray a bottle of bubbly in order to celebrate his achievement.

In a Facebook post, Neal thanked all those who had sponsored him and went on to thank his wife and boys for being “the best support crew ever” especially for providing dry socks halfway through his route!

You can support Neal and the others by sponsoring them for Seafarers UK here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-buckley3?fbclid=IwAR2zGYkX_841hK1pTgMlSPwB7bRQ7knIqtPrYCd7ef3PCTphFypo5iK_Ne4