Back
Good Luck Matthew!!
He is running around his housing estate to raise money for the If U Care Share Foundation.
Durham United first team player Matthew Smith is running a marathon around his home this weekend to raise money for If U Care Share Foundation.
Matthew, from Lumley, near Durham will set off on his epic journey in the early hours of Friday morning.
His plan is to run the 0.6 miles around his housing estate nearly 50 times to reach the magical marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
Matthew, who helped set up the If U Care Share Foundation, will be giving regular updates to Heart FM’s breakfast show as he pounds the streets of his estate.
He said: "You may or may not be aware If U Care Share Foundation have been selected by Global Make Some Noise to be supported by their COVID Emergency Campaign. This will help us to continue to save lives in our communities at this very difficult time.
“I was asked if I’d be up for doing a “little” challenge and in my wisdom I have offered to run a marathon around my estate starting at 7am on Friday. To give that context a lap is 0.6 mile which equates to almost 47 times.
“I will be featured on Heart radio at the end of this week and will be checking in with the guys as I do it live on the radio.
“I know times are hard for every one right now - I’m not pushing the fundraising massively but anything you can give WILL save a life. If you can’t spare any cash a good luck message is just as valuable to me personally I promise!"
Since 2011 the If U Care Share Foundation has supported more than 2,000 people who have lost loved ones or who are at risk of suicide, as well as working with 30,000-plus young people.
If U Care Share Foundation was established in memory of Matthew’s brother Daniel O’Hare who took his own life at the age of 19.
The charity provides support to those who have lost loved ones to suicide, helps those who are at risk of taking their own life and work in schools, football clubs and our communities to promote positive mental health.
The North East has the highest rate of suicide in the country and suicide continues to be the biggest killer of men under 50 and young people under 25.
Visit Matthew’s page to donate by clicking the link below.
And good luck Matthew from all at Durham United FC!