I'm running five marathons in five days on the Fylde coast to raise £50,000 for charity

A Poulton man is taking on an extraordinary challenge to run five marathons in five days across the Fylde coast in a bid to tackle food poverty.

Luke Helmn, the man behind the well-known ‘Ron’s Run’, will cover a total of 133 miles over five consecutive days to raise £50,000 for The Big Food Project.

Starting on Monday, May 25 and finishing on Friday, May 29, Luke will run a marathon each day, with routes including Fleetwood, Lytham and a stretch from Preston to Blackpool.

The challenge aims to raise enough money to fund 100,000 meals for people in need across the Fylde.

Luke said: “I am fighting food hunger literally one mile at a time - and I need your support. It is a crazy challenge but it’s something I have always wanted to do.

“I first began collecting food donations for The Big Food Project after my dad passed away. I organised ‘Ron’s Run’ to fund a commemorative bench at the Stanley Park running track. When the bench was generously donated, I kept on running and collected food donations for local families instead.

“What began as an act of remembrance became action. Inspired by my dad who went to war at the age of 15 and bravely fought cancer, as well as the incredible feats of others, I am excited to be running five marathons in five days.

“It’s a big ask, but I am determined to do it knowing that I am raising money to support a charity that is incredibly important to communities across the Fylde. Please donate via my Just Giving page.”

Luke’s fundraising efforts were inspired by his father Ron, who served in the RAF for 27 years and later coached athletics to thousands of children at the running track at Stanley Park in Blackpool.

His challenge will coincide with World Hunger Day on May 28, with Blackpool Tower set to be lit up in support.

The public is also being encouraged to take part in a ‘Move a Mile for a Meal’ initiative, with people invited to walk, run, cycle or swim to raise sponsorship and support the campaign.

Active Blackpool, local gyms, sports clubs and fitness enthusiasts are all being urged to get involved.

Claire Powell, chief executive of The Big Food Project, said: “Luke’s commitment to the Big Food Project is awe-inspiring - running five marathons in five days is an incredible challenge and we are with him every step of the way.

“If Luke achieves his target of raising £50,000, it will enable us to provide 100,000 meals across the Fylde, helping safeguard our future as a charity.

“As the foodbank of foodbanks, we believe that no child should go hungry and nobody should have to choose between heating and eating. This is happening every single day across the Fylde coast and we are the lifeline to those experiencing extreme poverty.

“By supporting Luke and the Big Food Project, you will be doing something amazing - thank you.”

Coastal Radio will provide live coverage throughout the five-day challenge.

People can support Luke by donating via his JustGiving page.