Waterlooville couple take on gruelling challenge for stillbirth charity

Phil Marchbanks, franchise holder at Coversure Waterlooville, took part in the 100km South Coast Ultra Challenge with his wife Ula to raise money and awareness for Sands.

They pair walked continuously from Eastbourne to Arundel in just over 30 hours, and raised an incredible £1,700 for what they say is an extremely worthwhile cause.

Commenting on their achievement, Phil, 45, said: '˜Participating in the South Coast Ultra Challenge to support Sands was an incredible feeling.

'˜We met a lot of very inspirational people during the challenge and have definitely got '˜the bug'.

'˜We will be taking on another next year, and more in years to come, to continue to raise money for worthwhile causes.'

Established in 1978, Sands is a stillbirth and neonatal death charity which operates throughout the UK.

It supports anyone affected by the death of a baby and works to improve the care bereaved parents receive, while promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives.

The Ultra Challenge Series offers a wide range of endurance events to help raise money for worthwhile charities. So far, the series has helped to raise more than £20m for UK charities, including Sands.