Runner raises thousands in memory of mum who died at Sunderland hospice

After 48 days, another 808 miles and three more countries, the fifth stage of Mark’s run around the world ended at Kiev’s Independence Square after he journeyed across Ukraine.

Independence Square will also be the starting point for stage six of the run, which is scheduled to begin in 2021 and take the charity runner through eastern Ukraine, Russia and on to Astana in Kazakhstan as he continues a 20,000-mile run around the world.

Mark’s amazing efforts have to date raised over £306,000 for charities in the North East, including St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope where his mum Margery died of cancer in 1994.

Mark, who turned 47 during his solo run from Belgrade to the Ukrainian capital, said: “Towing 134 kgs, sleeping inside a buggy for 800 miles and running unsupported means this has probably been the second toughest stage after the run across Australia in 2013.

“What helped was the incredible support I got from people in Serbia, Romania and Ukraine along the way, and the many messages and donations that came in from the North East and all over the world.

“While the previous stages were about endurance and just getting the miles in every day, it’s been humbling to meet and spend time with so many kind and generous people on stage five.”

Mark also paid tribute to St Benedict’s for the support they gave his mum before she passed away.

“St Benedict’s gave her as dignified and pain-free end to her life as possible,” he said.

“It’s a debt of gratitude I’ll never be able to repay.”

While Mark’s journey is on hold, his fundraising efforts will continue back in the North East with a fundraising ball at Newcastle’s Biscuit Factory on Saturday, October 13. .

Mark continues to update a blog at rungeordierun.com while those wanting to donate towards his fund-raising should go to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=rungeordierun&pageUrl=10