An Islander ran nearly 1,100 in 31 days in aid of the children’s
ward that saved two of his sons’ lives.

Jamie Pardoe covered an average 37 miles a day without rest as
he ran from Land’s End to John O’Groats where he was greeted at the
finish line by his family.

The journey was almost brought to an abrupt end when the support
vehicle driven by his dad Stuart broke down part way through.

Luckily after a Facebook appeal, friend of a friend, Sarah
Black, came through and donated her van to tow the caravan for the
rest of the way.

So far, Jamie’s efforts have raised more than £4,000 for the
Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Unit at Medway Maritime Hospital
and more is expected to come in from sponsors and local
businesses.

Two of the 32-year-old’s five sons, Korben, nine, and
one-year-old Brentley, were cared for at the Gillingham centre
after they were born prematurely.

Jamie, who is director of fundraising on the baby unit’s board,
said: “I’m really pleased and hopefully we will reach the £7,000
target that I’ve been wanting to get.

“I’m a bit sore and battered now, I’ve got pains up my legs and
back, but even if it saves one baby’s life, it’s been worth
it.”

Jamie normally jogs an average of 15 to 20 miles four times a
week, which he fits around his job at pharmaceutical company
Aesica, in Queenborough.

During the run he ate lots of chicken, rice and pasta as well as
taking energy bars to boost his endurance.

He ran the furthest on the first day, a total of 46 miles, on
August 1, when he had to take a longer route because the road was
too dangerous.

He returned to work a week after finishing but he will have the
chance to celebrate at the Sheppey September Spectacular, at
Sheppey Sports and Social Club, off Queenborough Road, Halfway, on
tomorrow (Saturday).

The event starts at 10am and goes on until 10pm and will be
raising money for new equipment including X-ray machines and
incubators for the Oliver Fisher ward.