Wellingborough School sixth-former taking on 24-hour running challenge

An Orlingbury teenager is preparing to take on a solo gruelling 24-hour running marathon - aiming to cover 76 miles (120km) to fundraise for eating disorder charity Beat.

Seventeen-year-old Tom Duffin, a pupil at Wellingborough School, will use the running track and playing fields as he takes on the physical challenge battling fatigue and pain, cheered on by friends and family.

Tom, a member of the school's charity committee, came up with the idea for his fundraiser to fit in with their 24-hour themed programme of marathon events for the school's charity of the year.

He said: "While thinking of things to do I came up with the idea of running for 24 hours at the school grounds.

"I am excited for the challenge ahead and the possibility of raising funds for Beat. I have trained hard for this and I am looking forward to an event that brings the school together for a good cause.”

Currently studying for A-Levels in maths, geography and design and technology, Tom plans to study yacht design and production in Southampton.

Supporting him during the challenge will be his parents Helen and James Duffin, his sister Lauren and his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, as well as friends.

He said: "During the run I will have breaks for fuelling and eating. These will be dependent on how my body feels but they will probably be once every two hours. I will be running around the school 400m track. Changing direction will be key to balance out my ankles.

"The odd run around the 2.5km perimeter will help me not to get too bored running around the same area over and over again."

So far, Tom has been pledged more than £4,000 but wants to raise as much as possible.

He is hoping that his pair of trusty trainers will see him through the 24 hours but has multiple spare sets of running clothes to change into during the event.

He said: "Friends and family have been very supportive and many have committed to supporting me during the 24-hour event whether that be running alongside me or cheering from the side.

"I think as long as I have supporters there to cheer me on then I’ll be a lot more positive. A few people have said they’ll run segments alongside me, this will also help massively."

Beat provides help and support for people with eating disorders in the UK. Their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.

Tom will start his 24-hour run on Friday, June 25, at 1.30pm crossing the finishing line 1,440 minutes later on the Saturday.

To support Tom's fundraising click here to visit his Just Giving page.