Businessman’s epic 496-mile challenge sees him surpass £35k fundraising milestone

A Hemel Hempstead businessman has crossed the finishing line on an epic 496-mile challenge for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, pushing his four-year fundraising total past £35,000.

John English, MD of commercial electrical and data company Whitestar Solutions, ran the equivalent of almost 19 marathons in just 31 days this October, covering 1.1 million steps and 111 hours on his feet - raising almost £14,000 to add to more than £22,000 he has already raised for the charity.

Inspired by the remarkable fundraising challenges of Sir Kevin Sinfield, John kicked off the challenge in Manchester running with Sir Kevin himself joining him for one mile of his 7 in 7 challenge. Starting on 1st October with a single mile, John added an extra mile every day, culminating on 31st October with a distance of 31 miles.

Running in memory of his friend Simon New and rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who lost their lives to MND, and for family friend Ed Lound, who is living with MND, John covered urban streets, rural trails, steep hills, riversides, and towpaths. Enduring all autumn weathers – including two named storms – he ran across Hemel, Aylesbury, Wendover, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Chalfont St Giles, Slough, Eton, Princes Risborough, Amersham and more.

His penultimate run began meaningfully at the MND Association headquarters in Northampton before John brought his endurance challenge to an emotional close on Halloween. Literally ending on a high, he took on not just a final 31 miles – but ran the 50k Chiltern Ridge Race – an ultramarathon through the Chiltern Hills with an 800m elevation gain across the route. In all, he chalked up more than 500 miles.

While friends and supporters joined him for sections of the route, John tackled the bulk of the miles solo, supported throughout by an indispensable "support team of one" - his wife Tracey.

John said: “It has been an amazing experience – very tough at times, but incredibly rewarding. Having people come out to cheer me on, pat me on the back, and even lace up their trainers to run alongside me lifted me up time and again.

“Knowing why I was doing this kept me moving forward on the hardest days. With the example of Kevin Sinfield a huge inspiration, I ran every mile for every individual and family facing the devastating diagnosis of MND.”

Throughout the month, John wove personal visits into his daily routes – seeing friends and colleagues, visiting local businesses and sponsors and even paying tribute to departed loved ones with a run that incorporated visits to the graves of his mum and mother-in-law. During one early run, Watford fan John was invited to visit his club’s home ground at Vicarage Road and meet the team, as the Watford FC community got behind his efforts.

Added John: “The generosity from friends, colleagues, fellow Watford fans, and complete strangers has been overwhelming. I am so grateful to everyone who helped raise almost £14,000 this month alone - and the donations are still coming in.”

The 496-mile challenge closed a triumphant third chapter of John’s fundraising campaign for MND. After attempting the 250km Ultra X Wales in 2022, raising £9,150 and completing seven marathons in seven consecutive days in 2024, raising £10,684, supplemented by £2,889 from a team charity calendar, this final act has been his biggest fundraiser yet.

The campaign also raised vital awareness for others living with the condition, including former England rugby captain Lewis Moody.

Motor neurone disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement, leaving muscles unable to function. There is currently no cure.

Donations can still be made to support John’s challenge via his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-english-6