Teacher makes 100-mile effort for West Suffolk charity in memory of mother

A teacher and sports enthusiast from Bury St Edmunds made a Herculean effort for a West Suffolk charity earlier this month - by completing four marathons in two days.

Craig Skipp, 29, ran and cycled the gruelling distance in just 13 hours on December 13 and 14 to raise money for Headway Suffolk, a charity which helps people with acquired brain injuries, in memory of his mother Julie.

In total the Thetford Academy teacher racked up 122 miles on foot and bicycle - the total distance from Julie’s birthplace in Surrey to the charity’s Bury hub, in Northgate Street.

Public services teacher Craig raised more than £1,500 for the charity, which supported his mother for 10 years following a fall at home. He tackled a similar challenge last year, following Julie’s death in 2012, and managed to raise around £800.

Craig said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Headway Suffolk for all the support they gave my mum throughout the years.

“Losing her has left a massive space in my life and working with Headway ensures she remains in everyone’s thoughts.

“Completing the charity run will hopefully go some way to show my appreciation for how they made my mum happy in challenging times.

“It was the hardest thing I have ever done and to do it in just over 13 hours makes me very proud. A final thank you to all those who braved the cold to see me over the finish line - without your support I would not have made it, and to have reached the current total is excellent.”

The money raised will be put towards a plaque for Julie, and towards a new project when the hub relocates to its new home in Olding Road in January.

Chief executive of Headway Suffolk Helen Fairweather said: “We are grateful to people like Craig who fundraise for us. We are predicting 2015 being a turbulent year so all help is gratefully received.”