Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, has completed his fundraising challenge to walk a marathon a day on the Pennine Way.
This famous walk from Edale, Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland, is over 267 miles and usually takes at least three weeks to complete.
Setting out to raise £10 per mile, his original fundraising target of £2,670 was soon doubled to £5,340. Cllr Collins passed this total shortly after completing the challenge, raising a fantastic £5,463 – but the donations page remains open and contributions are still being welcomed.
All of the money raised goes to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a book-gifting scheme that provides a free book every month to children from birth to age five.
The Imagination Library is running in nine of the city’s 20 wards – but more funds are needed to extend the scheme to the remaining 11 city wards.
Councillor Collins said: “This challenge was seriously tough – especially trudging through the rain and mud – but it’s also been thoroughly enjoyable and the scenery has been incredible.
“I am proud to have gone past the target of £5,340 for the Imagination Library. Getting children reading at an early age is important. Studies show that children who read at home go on to get better exam results, which means they have better job prospects when they leave school.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has sponsored me. I really have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity, kindness and their messages of encouragement.
“My donation page is still open and I would be grateful for any further support. You can be sure it’s going to a great cause: helping our kids get the best start in life.”
Donations can still be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/walkingthepennineway