A Father of two is running a marathon or ultramarathon every month of this year to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

Mr Joe Lee, 32, University Lecturer from Aston, was inspired by the birth of his second daughter to take on the marathon a month challenge, and has already raised a third of this £3000 target.

He said: “Working with the charity has been amazing. The team are fantastic and so supportive.

“Personally for me, the smile on my daughter’s face when I bring home a new medal is of course up there.”

As a long time supporter of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Mr Lee has previously completed a year long fundraiser in 2021 raising around £2,500.  

He said: “It is always a tricky element balancing family life with training and the events but I carry them with me throughout each event and always think of the difference that this fundraising is making for the charity and more importantly the children who are in need of essential care.

“I also want to inspire others to fundraise as it makes an immense impact, I’ve seen first hand what the charity does for the children under the care of the hospital and every effort to raise funds helps significantly.”

As well as raising money for charity, Mr Lee aims to encourage others to become more active, as he has experienced the ways in which exercise can benefit physical health as well as mental wellbeing.

He said he is striving to become the best and fittest version of himself for his wife and two daughters.

He said: “My eldest daughter Ivy always gives me a good pep talk before each event or run. She often says ‘are you going to win another medal daddy?’. 

“Before the Manchester marathon she inspiringly told me to ‘Run really fast daddy so you can get a medal and bring it to show me’.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/joeleemarathonamonth