Footballer nets funds for charities by putting in the hard yards

The 23-year-old from Lytham decided to run 5k every day throughout January to raise money for Trinity Hospice in Bispham and Brian House Children’s Hospice, Cleveleys.

Callum plays for Sunday League side Mavricks but found a different way to stay fit during lockdown and his efforts have been well supported by family and friends.

These include Jamie Milligan, the former Fleetwood Town captain and now manager of non-league Bamber Bridge.

Jamie first alerted The Gazette to Callum’s charity challenge and said: “I’ve known Callum and his dad for many years and I’m proud of what he’s done.”

Callum, who works for a corporate energy company, takes up the story: “I work from home and there’s no football at the moment. I wanted to push myself ... and to get out of the house.

“I thought I’d keep busy and challenge myself to 5k a day. My mates said I couldn’t do it, so I thought I’d do it for charity.

“Trinity Hospice do so much good work – they looked after my Nana – and they have been hit hard with less fundraising going on during the pandemic.”

Callum’s daily runs mostly took him along the seafront at Lytham and he admits his powers of determination were tested at times.

He said: “They all got behind me at the football club but the first run was awful.

“I’d never have called myself a runner, though I had done some before, but I’d done nothing over Christmas, so I was behind on my training.

“The first few days were tough because of the weather. There was rain, snow and ice, so some days I really had to motivate myself, but a lot of people have backed me and that kept me going.

“I’ve known Jamie a long time, so thanks to him and everyone else who supported me.”

Having completed his last run, Callum promised himself a day or two with his feet up but added: “I’ll definitely carry on running, though.

“I have got into it – you just get your headphones on and crack on. I may start doing longer distances.”

Donations are still welcome on Callum’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/callum-best1

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