Thornhill sanctuary volunteer raises over £17,000 after completing 31 consecutive marathons
Thirty year old Josh Ellis, a volunteer at Millington’s Magical Barn in Thornhill, completed the challenge of a lifetime last month which has led to thousands of pounds being raised for the sanctuary.
Every year the team at Millington’s set themselves a crazy challenge, with an equally crazy target amount, all to raise funds towards the upkeep of the sanctuary.
This year, volunteer Josh stepped up to the game and has recently completed 31 marathons in 31 days, which has helped to raise more than £17,000 to go towards the cost of sanctuary life.
Josh, who started volunteering at the sanctuary in April 2021, said: “Thank you! We have raised £17,000 so far and we are still raising money.
“The response and support has been overwhelming and we cannot thank our followers and supporters enough for all their help in sharing, donating and spreading the word.
“It was by far the hardest thing I've ever undertaken, both physically and mentally!
“I've got blisters the size of tennis balls and aches and pains I didn't know were possible but it was all worth it to raise the amount we did.
“It's going to help the sanctuary so much going forward.”
The sanctuary, which is now home to around 80 animals, was set up in 2018 by former rugby player Jake Ratcliffe and his partner Rosie Thompson, a veterinary nurse.
Jake, who in previous years has taken on the fundraising challenge himself, explained how he felt “humbled” that Josh decided to put his life completely on hold to take on such an incredible challenge.
Jake said: “Josh is amazing, to take on all of this and to never give up is just incredible.
“A special word also has to go out to his amazing wife Grace, she was with him almost every step of the way.
“On behalf of all the animals that currently call Millington’s home and from all the animals who in the future are going to benefit from people’s donations and our organisation, thank you.
“We hope to pay it back to people by showing them the good work that we do with these guys.”
The money raised from this challenge will go towards new enclosures, new equipment, and the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in need.