Peterborough running club complete over 160 miles in 24 hour relay to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome charity

The group provides key support and activities for parents and children affecting by Down Syndrome in the city.

The work of the charity was given a big boost at the weekend thanks to runners from local running club, Rumbles Rub Club.

Organised by renowned local runner, Phil Martin and his wife Rachel, 14 runners from the club spent 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday completing a team relay of Teardrop Lake in Hampton.

Runners completed hour or two hour stints, with many completing multiple stints between 9am on Saturday (November 15) and 9am on Sunday (November 16). In total, runners completed over 1,160 miles and raised in excess of £2,200.

The cause was chosen due to the charity’s place in the heart of club member Crag Matthews and his family, who has a 3-year-old son called Monty who has Down Syndrome.

Phil said: “I have had some stupid ideas in my time but I can’t believe that this time around I managed to get 20 people to join me!”

Craig added: “We found out Monty had Down Syndrome when he was six months old and we got a lot of support from the Peterborough Area Down's Syndrome Group. Their events are really, really good and it gives you a chance to make friends and chat to other parents with children with Down Syndrome to get advice.

“After Monty was diagnosed, we went along to a play session at Whittlesey Soft Play and we met lots of other like-minded parents and children for our son to play with. It was great to mix in that circle and all support each other.

“The support we had from all of the runners as well as from local residents was really good. We even had residents out on their balconies at midnight shouting ‘come on keep going!’

“It was really good fun and I am really grateful for all of the money that we have raised.

"A special thank you to all who came out to support, the support runners and the runners themselves- Glynn, Lewis, Goda, Polly, Rob, Craig, Pauline, Dean, Dino, Kay, Craig, Phil, Lindsey, Barry, Lewis, Moh and Pauline.

To support the charity efforts of Rumbles Run Club further, visit www.justgiving.com/page/craig-matthews-1.