Sefless schoolboy set for 84-mile run in aid of charity which helps Sunderland people

A selfless schoolboy is set to take on a huge running challenge to help a charity which gives support to young people in Sunderland with addiction problems.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Jul 2018, 12:42 BST
Updated 31st Jul 2018, 12:43 BST
Redmond Kerr, 15, who is doing an 84-mile run along the Hadrian's Wall route to raise money for Acorn Recovery Project.Redmond Kerr, 15, who is doing an 84-mile run along the Hadrian's Wall route to raise money for Acorn Recovery Project.
Redmond Kerr, 15, who is doing an 84-mile run along the Hadrian's Wall route to raise money for Acorn Recovery Project.

Redmond Kerr, 15, will attempt to run almost coast to coast from Bowness to Newcastle, using the Hadrian’s Wall route.

Redmond is fund-raising for Acorn Recovery Projects, which look to rehabilitate those struggling with addiction.

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The Oxfordshire lad begins his journey tomorrow and hopes to complete the run by Monday.

Redmond, who goes to High Clare School in Birmingham, will be supported by mum Katherine Spencer and stepdad Matthew Prior along the way.

Katherine said: “Redmond was at a school assembly before the end of term when someone came in to give a talk about swimming the English Channel.

“He came home saying he’d like to do it himself, but as he isn’t a good swimmer I persuaded him it wasn’t a good idea and that he should do a run instead.

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“He picked the route and decided on the charity because it helps people in Sunderland which is nearby to where he finishes.

“He has planned the whole trip himself, from learning to read maps and using a compass to sorting out his five-day music playlist.”

Redmond, who has a sister Eabha (CORR), 18, is already on course to raise hundreds of pounds for the organisation.

“He has a target of £500 to raise but he’s already got £800 so he’ll be hoping to get even more as he does the run.

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“Once he’s finished he’ll be meeting people from the charity and hoping to hand over the funds.”

Despite his age and the fact that he is not an experienced runner, Katherine added that her son is confident he will be able to complete the course in the time he has set himself.

“He’s going to do different distances each day, starting off doing 15 miles, then 20 miles for the next three days and 10 on the final day.

“He has done some training but probably should’ve done a bit more to be honest.

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“He’s young and fit so he will make it because he really wants to.

“Me and my husband will be there supporting him along the way and even though he hasn’t done anything like this before I’m confident he’ll be OK.”

To donate towards Redmond’s challenge go to www.gofundme.com/red-runs-england-coast-to-coast

Related topics:Sunderland