The commander of the Combined Cadet Force at Bromsgrove School has run twenty-four half marathons in twenty-four days to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Lt Col Jeff Farnes completed the extraordinary challenge in memory of his sister, Helen, who died from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia last year.
Following months of training over the summer, Jeff covered hundreds of miles across the Midlands, running through Birmingham, Worcester, Bromsgrove and around the school grounds.
Along the way, he was joined by members of staff, parents and Old Bromsgrovians, whose support helped make the challenge a true community effort.
On Monday 5 October, Jeff ran through the school gates for the final time, completing his twenty-fourth half marathon in under two hours and bringing the challenge to a memorable conclusion.
For the final run, Jeff wore a giraffe head as a special tribute to Helen, who used to call him ‘Geoffrey the Giraffe’.
Jeff said: “Carrying out the runs over the period of the anniversary of my sister’s death has been a really positive and fulfilling experience.
“I have found it really helpful to process the grief. I am still in disbelief at what I have achieved over those 24 days.”
Jeff is now training to take on the Great South Run on Sunday 18 October as he continues his fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support and Blood Cancer UK.
As this story was being created, his efforts so far have raised a combined total of more than £4,500. To support Jeff’s fundraising, please visit his JustGiving pages:
- Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jeff-farnes-10
- Blood Cancer UK: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jeff-farnes-9
