WATCH: Kirklees man raises £10k after finally completing five-year feat

A Kirklees man has raised over £10,000 after completing 5,000 miles which started in October 2015.
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After almost half a decade of early mornings, sore knees and bursting lungs, Mirfield's Andy Wright, 53, has achieved his goal of running 5,000 miles for Kirkwood Hospice.

On Saturday, the library development manager finally reached the summit of Castle Hill and completed his 5,000-mile triumph for Kirkwood Hospice.

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The father-of-two, who lives just off Stocks Bank Road, said: “Taking on this challenge was a way of ensuring I kept at it 1,000 miles per year averages out at just under 20 miles per week.

Mr Wright has raised over 10,000 after completing 5,000 miles after first setting off in October 2015.Mr Wright has raised over 10,000 after completing 5,000 miles after first setting off in October 2015.
Mr Wright has raised over 10,000 after completing 5,000 miles after first setting off in October 2015.

"I knew that was manageable as long as I stayed motivated, and setting myself up for this challenge.”

It started as a way to keep motivated as he approached his 50th Birthday.

After discovering running 10 years ago, Mr Wright realised just how much it helped his mental and physical health.

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However, it’s not the end for the Mirfield man who works as Mr Wright continue pound the pavements until he reaches the five-year anniversary of his very first mile.

On Saturday,thelibrary development manager finallyreached the summit of Castle Hill andcompleted his 5,000 miles for Kirkwood Hospice.On Saturday,thelibrary development manager finallyreached the summit of Castle Hill andcompleted his 5,000 miles for Kirkwood Hospice.
On Saturday,thelibrary development manager finallyreached the summit of Castle Hill andcompleted his 5,000 miles for Kirkwood Hospice.

Mr Wright was originally inspired by his wife Lisa, who is a Kirkwood Hospice physiotherapist.

He said: “I’m proud to be associated with Kirkwood, an organisation which provides incredible compassionate support to families across Kirklees in their times of greatest need.

I’ve learned so much about their work in encouraging their patients to live well, and as a resident of North Kirklees I’m particularly keen to ensure that information about the services provided by Kirkwood reach those more under represented sections of the district.”

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Over the past five years, Mr Wright participated in 149 Park Runs, completed more than 80 half-marathons, taken part in the biggest cross-country race in the world – the 30K Lidingoloppet in Stockholm – and run five marathons.

In 2017, inspired by Kirkwood’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, Andy ran 30 miles in a single day – devising a route for his run that saw him pass each of Kirkwood’s charity shops across Kirklees.

Mr Wright said: “I’m really passionate about getting other people interested in running. It’s great for physical and mental health.

Kirkwood Chief Executive, Michael Crowther said: “It’s quite hard to put into words just what an achievement this is.

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"Andy is a wonderful ambassador for Kirkwood Hospice. I know he is passionate about the difference our care makes for people affected by any life limiting illness, and champions our cause wherever he goes.

“To commit half a decade to one single cause, and reach his goal, despite setbacks, injuries and the many obstacles that life presents is a testament to his amazing commitment.

"He is an integral part of the Kirkwood community. I’d like to say a huge thank you for everything Andy has achieved over the past few years. He has helped to raise almost £10,000 in that time, and created much needed awareness across Kirklees.”

If you would like to donate to Mr Wright's cause, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andy5000.