Hartlepool college lecturer and former marine runs 180 miles through pain barrier for Alice House Hospice

Sean Ivey running around his street in Wingate as he nears the end of his Alice House 180-mile fundraising run. Picture by FRANK REID

Sean Ivey, 37, who was medically discharged from the marines five years ago after suffering a brain injury in a road accident, had already notched up 100 miles in May to raise money for Alice House Hospice.

He then pledged to run another 80 miles by doing laps of his steep street in Wingate on Sunday and Monday.

It was all the more painful as Sean, a lecturer at Hartlepool College of Further Education, has arthritis in both knees, internal damage to his left knee and a lower back injury.

Charity runner Sean Ivey (right) with support runners. Picture by FRANK REID

But it paid off as his total for the hospice now stands at more than £2,000.

Sean decided to help Alice House when the college, which is a patron of the hospice, suspended face to face teaching and Alice House was forced to temporarily close its shops.

His wife Kate, 34, also used to work for Alice House.

Speaking to the Mail during his last few miles Sean said: “I could do with some WD40 on my knees, but apart from that I’m OK.

Charity runner Sean Ivey. Picture by FRANK REID

“The hospice have just lost so much during this lockdown but they’re like a beacon of light within Hartlepool and East Durham.

“I just want to give something back.”

Sean began running at 5am on Sunday and carried on till 2am before grabbing a couple of hours sleep and starting again on Monday.

He has been joined along the way by neighbours, former pupils, cousin Dave Beeston and strangers.

“The community spirit has been absolutely brilliant,” he said.

Sean also died his hair purple to draw more attention to his fundraising in a nod to Alice House hospice's colours.

Greg Hildreth, deputy fundraising manager at the hospice, said Sean has shown incredible levels of endurance and dedication.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Sean and all of his supporters, the kindness of whom has helped to raise such a brilliant amount of money.

“I hope that Sean can now enjoy a well earned rest and some relaxing time with his family.”

To add to Sean’s fund click here

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