Been there, run that: Leeds man takes on gruelling challenge for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund

Matt Abbey, who works at Berry’s Jewellers in Leeds City Centre ran a total of 78.6 miles as part of the company’s group fundraising efforts which will help patients with congenital heart disease and their families.

Matt’s marathon challenge took place from November 12-14 and has contributed to a total of over £23,000 raised for the CHSF by Berry’s Jewellers employees across the country.

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund was first founded in 1988 and works to provide provide tailored support and essential resources to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and regional clinics, including a holistic family support service.

Matt was inspired to take on his challenge as a way of combining his love for running with supporting a charity in his home city.

Matt said: “As a company, we sponsor a charity every year and with the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund being a local Leeds charity, it means a lot more.

“I did a double marathon last year so this year I was like, what sounds harder? Let’s try three in three days.”

Each day, Matt ran a different route through Leeds covering areas such as Guiseley, Addingham, Headingley, and Bramham, before finishing outside his workplace on Commercial Street.

The challenge had its tough moments including numerous aches and pains from training, waking up at 5:15am for three days straight to run and of course completing the marathons in the wet and windy weather brought on by Storm Claudia.

Matt said: “(Friday) was brutal with mainly the conditions and getting up at quarter past five in the morning with your legs still screaming in pain.

“It’s psychological and a lot of it is in your mind but I wouldn’t say I’d jump out of bed to do it all again.”

There were positive moments along the course of the challenge too as Matt spotlighted how early morning marathons offered a rare chance to see the “gorgeous” sunrise.

But of course the ultimate highlight was reaching the final finish line where Matt was greeted by both his colleagues and representatives from the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.

Matt said: “People had come out and stood in the rain and it was amazing.

“You have all these emotions because you’re absolutely exhausted and your legs are shaking but it was just euphoria. It was brilliant.”

To support Matt’s multi marathon challenge and Berry’s Jewellers fundraising for CHSF, donate to their JustGiving page.