An inspirational Black Country man has clocked up an astonishing 1,830km in an epic year-long fundraiser for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Lee McRobert turned what has been one of the most challenging years into triumph by running 5km every single day in support of local children and families. The 41-year-old, from Rowley Regis, completed the phenomenal feat on Thursday 31 December and was greeted by cheers and a round of applause from a small group of family and friends.

Lee pounded the pavement in rain, wind, snow and shine for 366 consecutive days, including leap day, raising over £6,200 for Acorns and the charity’s care for life limited and life threatened children. The father-of-two said:

“I’ve been blown away by the donations over the last few weeks. It’s hard to put into words. It’s been absolutely worth it. The first week was just emotional. Everything ached. I couldn’t pick my legs up, it was horrific.

“Take it each day as it comes, don’t think month on month and listen to your body. Some days you’ll want to go quickly but go at the pace that feels the most comfortable.”

“It was actually a bit of a blessing. It was something to look forward to because there was not a lot else you could do.”

Lee was inspired to take on the challenge after two work friends completed their own 5km feats in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The baton was passed on to Lee, who hadn’t quite made up his mind until he tackled his first run on 1 January. As life-long Aston Villa fan, Acorns seemed like the perfect local charity to support. Kate Grantham, Fundraising Officer at Acorns, said:

“We are in complete awe of what Lee has achieved. To run 5km every day takes a staggering amount of commitment and dedication.

“Lee’s epic challenge is yet another wonderful example how amazing our supporters have been throughout 2020. In one of the most challenging years in recent times, they’ve pulled out all the stops to help us fund our lifeline care and for that we are truly grateful.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice offers specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions across the West Midlands, as well as support for their families.

The charity has been at the forefront in the battle against coronavirus, supporting some of the most vulnerable families as well as the wider emergency response of the NHS and social care system.

To find out how you can support Acorns, please visit acorns.org.uk.