I’m running five marathons in five days to help fund 100,000 meals

Fylde runner Luke Helmn is halfway through an extraordinary endurance challenge, completing five marathons in five days in support of The Big Food Project.

The Poulton-based runner, known locally for his ‘Ron’s Run’ fundraising efforts, is aiming to raise £50,000 to help provide 100,000 meals for families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre experiencing food poverty.

Luke is currently into day two of the challenge, which sees him running a full marathon each day across different parts of the Fylde coast during one of the hottest weeks of the year.

By the end of the week, he will have covered 133 miles on foot with routes taking him through Fleetwood, Lytham, Preston, Poulton and Blackpool.

Funds raised will go directly towards The Big Food Project’s ongoing work supporting schools, supplying emergency food parcels and providing community meals for people facing financial hardship.

Luke’s commitment to tackling food poverty is deeply personal. His original ‘Ron’s Run’ initiative was inspired by his father, Ron, who served in the RAF for 27 years and later spent decades coaching young athletes at Stanley Park in Blackpool.

Speaking about the challenge, Luke said: “I am helping fight food poverty 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.

“What began as an act of remembrance became action. Inspired by my dad, I kept on running and it’s now grown into something much bigger.”

Luke has previously taken inspiration from other major endurance efforts, including BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox’s 135-mile run and rugby league player Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising challenges.

Support for his latest effort has grown across the Fylde coast, with Coastal Radio providing live updates throughout the week and Blackpool Tower set to be lit up in support on May 28, which coincides with World Hunger Day.

Local initiative ‘Move a Mile for a Meal’ is also encouraging residents, gyms, schools and sports clubs to take part by covering their own miles in support of the fundraising target.

Big Food Project Chief Executive, Claire Powell, 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.

“Last year alone, we provided more than 80,000 meals to children through schools across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, showing just how vital this support continues to be for local families.”

5 Marathons in 5 Days

Day 1: Fleetwood

Day 2: Lytham

Day 3: Preston to Blackpool

Day 4: Poulton - Pilling

Day 5: Poulton - Pleasure Beach

Donations can be made via Luke’s JustGiving page.