Hartlepool man runs the length of England in 827-mile mega charity mission

Lee gets ready for another day of running.

After more than a week on the roads - and battling against injuries, pain and abysmal weather - Hartlepool man Lee has made it into Scotland.

His amazing achievements won praise from thousands of people, including from Kevin Fincken who is his back-up support.

Lee is running from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) and hopes to do it in two weeks.

Kevin said: “#LEJOGAH is a massive undertaking that Lee has challenged himself with to raise £40,000 for the Alice House Hospice. The feat itself of running 827 miles is exceptional.”

Lee and running partner John Hewitson set themselves a target of 16 days to complete the project, which meant running two marathons every day for more than two weeks.

But after the first half marathon of day 3, John suffered a serious leg injury, which meant he was unable to go on.

Undaunted Lee fought on by himself and the incredible pepole of Hartlepool have proved to be a real support ever since.

Kevin put it all into perspective when he said that running solo in torrential rain, and battling on in pain due to ongoing injuries, meant the “challenge becomes immense and even more demanding.”

But he praised the people of Hartlepool for travelling hundreds of miles to run beside Lee for a day and keep his spirits up - including Gareth Foreman and Michael Taylor running with him and Ian Morris cycling which “proved to be a real tonic”.

“Ian kindly stayed on to cycle/run on Friday and he was also joined by Stu Allison and John Cowley has lifted his spirits again,” said Kevin.

“The power of social media has pushed and promoted this challenge right across the country with offers of and support coming from everywhere.

“This puts everything into perspective and shows how people rally round in times of need.”

Kevin added: “I am proud to be a part of #LEJOGAH and bursting with pride at the commitment and dedication of my son-in-law Lee Dodgson.”

To recruit more support for Lee, contact Greg Hildreth at Alice House Hospice on (01429) 855529.