A FUNDRAISING champion had an extra special birthday after smashing a personal challenge to raise £50,000 through 50 challenges, before he turned 50.

Chris Read, of Barnard Castle, set up the A Smile For A Child charity seven years ago in a bid to help disabled and disadvantaged children get into sport.

The sports coach and personal trainer nervously waited as last minute donations flooded on his birthday last Wednesday (Nov 25) morning, pushing him over his £50,000 target just an hour-and-a-half before his deadline.

It also means an anonymous donor will match fund the last £4,000 raised for a little girl’s new wheelchair.

Mr Read, whose feats have included everything from running marathons to enduring a hot chilli challenge and bag packing at local supermarkets, said he was thrilled to have surpassed his target.

“I passed the mark with an hour-and-a-half to spare so got £50,065 this morning and I had to get it by noon,” he said.

“It will make no difference to fundraising whatsoever; I’m still a complete child and that’s how it will always be,” he joked.

Mr Read’s final challenges included an all-night cycle ride and an Iron Man challenge at Teesdale Sports Centre where he swam two-and-a-half miles, biked 200km and ran a full marathon on a treadmill in 15 hours.

“That was the last challenge and then this morning I was £550 short and a last minute push got me over,” he added.

“I’ve had really good support from everyone for the whole year and I am sure they are fed up with me badgering them but it’s just lovely to get that support from local people.”

Even Mr Read’s birthday celebrations included fundraising with a charity birthday meal at the Spice Island Restaurant, in Barnard Castle.

However, he also plans to have a quiet family meal at home with his wife, Nicole, 45, and two children, Lauren and Ben, who are coming home from university especially for it.

Mr Read confirmed the charity has given away £20,000 in its first year and donated £131,000 to good causes last year alone.

This year, he has helped 42 different organisations and 20 families from the local areas in and around Barnard Castle.

And he does not plan to stop there, as he is already in the process of planning a Santa swim in Saltburn on December 27.

To sponsor Mr Read visit justgiving.com/chrisread50challenges

For more information about the charity or to get involved visit asmileforachild.org or call Mr Read on 07904-448296.