The two dedicated runners have been overwhelmed by generous company sponsors; many of the contributors are regular supporters of the charity, some of whom also backed Lee on his 7 Marathons in 7 Days event which raised £20,000 for the Hospice in 2015.

Amongst the sponsors are Ineos Nitriles who have sponsored the overall event; support vehicle sponsor, Utility Alliance; fuel sponsor, Exwold Technology and kit sponsor, Smith & Graham.

Boots have shown their support by fundraising in all three Hartlepool branches as well as in their recent regional manager’s meeting.  The company will also be donating some matched funding against the amounts raised.

The following businesses have also signed up to be daily vest sponsors: Ableclean, Avant Homes, B G Autos, EENE North East Ltd, Howdens, Kannect, Robson Builders, Roy Blyth Family Butcher, Seymour, United Carlton, Universal Coatings and Wearside Contractors.

Hartlepool College of Further Education are supporting the project by hosting a charity ball in aid of the project and a meet and greet event for all of the business sponsors, some of whom were recruited by the college.  College lecturer, Kevin Finken is also involved as Lee and John’s support driver throughout the long journey.

The pair were also loaned a treadmill to help their training programme by Treadmill hire.

Hospice Fundraiser, Greg Hildreth said,
“On behalf of Lee and John as well as the Hospice, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the organisations who have shown invaluable support to this campaign and actually enabling it to proceed by offsetting the initial costs and providing the resources that they need to succeed in this challenge.

“The response so far has been remarkable and it is great to see the local communities getting behind these two selfless guys who are attempting a huge challenge to help support services for local people.”