Support for NHS workers as Farlington brothers aged 6 and 8 take on back garden marathon fundraiser

Eight-year-old Leo and six-year-old Max McHugh have heard plenty of stories in the news of people taking on epic runs in lockdown, and wanted to take on a fundraising effort of their own.

After measuring their garden in Farlington, the pair realised that 50 laps of the space would equal one mile, and decided to run a 26.2 mile marathon length over a few days to raise money to support NHS key workers.

With an initial aim of £100, the energetic pair of Solent Infant and Junior Schools pupils have smashed this total and already gathered more than £1,000 towards their worthy cause.

Mum Naouele, who is a runner herself, said: ‘They are so pleased to be helping out the NHS and really enjoying supporting all the hardworking nurses and doctors.

‘I am so proud of their achievement and dedication, they have been out running every day for the last week and recorded their efforts along the way.

‘It’s kind of kept them going, they’re really excited to see the Just Giving page each day.’

The boys have always been into running, following in Naouele’s footsteps as she takes part in marathons and races.

Naouele was due to take part in the London Marathon this Sunday, but as this has currently been postponed until October, the brothers will mark the occasion by finishing their challenge on the original marathon date.

Naouele said: ‘I’m really proud of both of them and it’s really nice to see them keeping fit and active and doing something good for the local community.

‘As a runner myself, I know it’s such a good way to exercise. It’s great that they are keeping active as running is so good for you and being boys, they really need to use up energy.’

A friend from Portsmouth Joggers, of which Naouele is a member, has donated a couple of medals for the pair to receive as a celebration when they finish their final mile.

To donate to the boys’ total, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/naouele-mchugh.

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