Lee Dodgson and Phil Holbrook’s combined fundraising totals over the last five years are in the region of £40,000 for Alice House Hospice’s patient care services.

Lee, who is currently in training to run from Land’s End to John O’Groats in May for the charity with co-runner John Hewitson, ran the London Marathon on 2013 and in 2015 ran 7 marathons in 7 days.

Phil, a regular Great North Runner, set up TeamSally following the car accident that tragically claimed the life of his wife and left him fighting to overcome severely life threatening injuries. Led by Phil, the team is a collection of friends inspired by his ongoing recovery and achievements who take part in the Great North Run every year in Sally’s memory.

Phil and Lee met at the celebrations following Lee’s 7 marathons and have since stayed in touch. This year, they are both hoping to use their considerable experience and profiles to support each other’s fundraising activities.

Phil has gathered friends to attend a charity ball in support of Lee and John’s 827 mile journey from one end of the country to the other, as well as joining the pair for a stretch of the northern section of the run. The ball takes place on 28 April at Hartlepool College of Further Education and is organised by Lee and John’s wives, Claire and Rachael.

Lee and John have pledged their support to TeamSally and will be running alongside Phil and friends in September’s Great North Run to help boost sponsorship totals.

Hospice Fundraiser Greg Hildreth, who has worked closely with Lee, John and Phil said, “What these guys do for Hospice patients is remarkable in itself but the fact that they are using their combined influence to support each other makes it all the more inspirational. I wish them the very best of luck and convey our sincere thanks. It’s a privilege to know such fantastic local people who are giving so much to ensure the future sustainability of Hospice care in our region.”

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Lee said “To describe Phil as an inspiration and a hero, in all honesty, does him a disservice. To be where he is physically since that fateful day, given his injuries, is nothing short of miraculous. He keeps setting himself more and more running targets and keeps achieving them.  It is an honour to be asked to be a part of TeamSally this year. Phil has been a big supporter of mine since we met and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support him and wear Alice House Team Sally colours. Hopefully, my legs will have recovered enough by the Great North Run after LE-JOG in May/June!”

Phil went on to add “When I heard about Lee’s 7 marathons in 7 days, I was impressed by his commitment to the Alice House Hospice, but this has been totally eclipsed by his attempt to run the length of mainland Britain in just over a fortnight, with his friend, John Hewitson, in aid of this worthy cause. Their sheer determination to get the job done has been outstanding, and I am delighted that they will join TeamSally for September’s Great North Run, raising more much-needed money for this fine organisation.”