A WIDNES man has raised more than £100,000 for charity as part of an ultra-marathon running group.

Graeme Saunders, 46, completed a 100-kilometre charity race around Antigua which saw the Widnesian run 25 kilometres a day, four days in a row, despite the blistering Caribbean heat.

Completing the challenge between October 11 and October 14, Graeme competed amongst a group of 25 ultra-marathon runners who raised over £100,000 for paediatric healthcare in the Caribbean.

Graeme works as a Senior Groups & MICE Manager for all-inclusive hotel Company, Sandals Resorts, and took part alongside three colleagues.

The team initially aimed to raise £100,000 for two children’s charities supported by the Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International’s philanthropic arm.

The team managed to beat their target, and collectively raised £101,216, which will be donated to the SickKids Caribbean Initiative and to the Paediatric Unit of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (formerly known as Mount St. John's Medical Centre) in Antigua, both long-term beneficiaries of The Sandals Foundation.

All of the donations will be passed on to the charities and will be used to fund essential medical equipment and resources for paediatric healthcare in Antigua.

Graeme said: “This was by far one of the most rewarding and physically challenging experiences I have taken part in.

“All of the work put in by the team was incredible, and visiting Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre to see first-hand the impact that these funds will have on the local community was really moving.

“Our goal was to raise £100,000 but we actually exceeded that amount, thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors and partners.

“Due to the success of the Sandals Foundation Island Run – Antigua 2023, we are seriously considering making this an annual event going forward.”