STOCKTON man Ben Lamb has pledged to run 2,000 miles in 2021 to raise £2,000 for his local hospital trust, and his trusty Labrador Baggy is on hand to keep him company some of the way.

Ben, 32, was inspired to fundraise by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, whose funeral took place on Saturday. He hopes his 40 miles-every-week marathon run will raise £2,000 for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, and has set up a just giving page to attract donations.

Mr Lamb, who is an author, filmmaker, and senior lecturer at Teesside University, said the work of the hospital staff throughout the pandemic – from doctors and nurses to receptionist and cleaners – has been inspirational.

“Our local NHS trust does brilliant things," he said. "For a year now, every NHS worker has put their life on the line for us, working punishingly long hours in the toughest of conditions. I just wanted to show my appreciation in a practical way.

“Clapping for our carers never really seemed enough and when Captain Tom set off on his garden walks he demonstrated that there were other ways in which we could show we cared. I don’t expect to raise massive sums like he did, but with the support of local people I hope to make at least a small contribution to the foundation trust’s charitable fund knowing that every penny raised will be used to enhance patient care.”

Mr Lamb is not an experienced long distance runner but, often with his Labrador Baggy for company, he hopes to use his daily exercise for a good cause.

He keeps an up-to-date record of his progress online for donors to follow. To read more about his fundraising project and to make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-lamb-bet