Widnes resident taking on Sandals Foundation Island Run

Graeme Saunders will be running 25km a day over four days in the blistering heat as part of the inaugural Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023.

The run is the equivalent of four back-to-back half marathons.

The 46-year-old, who works for hotel company Sandals Resorts, will be joined by a small group of colleagues who are all aiming to raise £100,000 for two charities.

So far, 66 per cent of the target has been raised.

The money will go to the SickKids Caribbean Initiative which aims to improve the lives of children diagnosed with paediatric cancer and blood disorders.

It will also go to the paedeatric unit at Mount St John’s Medical Centre in Antigua which is the only acute care facility on the island that offers 24-hour emergency care – giving babies in need of critical care and those born prematurely a better fighting chance.

Talking about the challenge, Graeme said: “I’ve done a few half marathons in my time including the Liverpool half and the Great North Run but never anything in these sorts of conditions.

“To say I am nervous is an understatement.

“I wanted to challenge myself and push my body to the limit whilst raising money to help those less fortunate I am.”

Along the route, the team will be visiting projects sponsored by the Sandals Foundation to see firsthand what a difference the money raised will make to the children and their families.

The Widnes resident will fly out on October 8 before the run begins on October 11, finishing on October 14.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandrun.