Crew Manager Paul Bainbridge.
A Durham firefighter has raised hundreds of pounds through an epic running challenge in memory of a friend who tragically took his own life.
Crew Manager Paul Bainbridge, 50, ran every day in January to cover a distance of 135 miles and raise £750 for the If U Care Share Foundation.
The Chester-le-Street charity supports families affected by suicide and was founded 20 years ago by Paul's friend, Matthew Smith, after his brother, Daniel O’Hare, took his own life.
“Daniel was also a close friend of mine and we were teammates in the local football team, Lumley FC, 20 years ago,” Paul said.
“Daniel sadly took his own life in March 2005.
“He was 19 years old and showed no prior outward signs of distress or despair.
“Daniel’s family remains devastated by their loss but determined to try and prevent other families from experiencing the same, they founded the If U Care Share Foundation.”
The charity says that, on average, every death by suicide effects 135 people and launched a fundraising initiative called Mission 135 which asks people to walk, run or cycle 135 miles throughout January.
On his final day of the challenge, Paul was joined by charity founder, Mathew Smith, to run from Durham Fire Station to the If U Care Share Foundation headquarters in Chester-le-Street.
“I have supported the charity for many years by doing the Great North Run a number of times, taking part in StrongArm endurance events and completing the RED365 challenge where I ran three miles every day for a year,” Paul said.
“Following government cuts to charity funding, Matthew asked for help to raise vital funds for If U Care Share so they can continue to support families affected by suicide.
“Running every day in January has been tough, but it has been great to raise £750 for the charity.”
If U Care Share founder, Matthew, praised Paul for his ongoing support.
"Paul has been a big supporter of If U Care Share since we started,” he said.
"He played football with my brother, Daniel and has done some amazing challenges for us.
"This one comes at a really important time for us as a charity as fundraising is more challenging than ever.
"If anyone else feels like they could support us in any way we would be hugely grateful."
If you would still like to donate, please visit: TotalGiving™ - Club135 - If U Care Share Foundation - Fundraising Page
