A Stonehouse dairy worker has raised more than £2,500 for a Gloucestershire Hospice by running ten miles every day.

Freddy Ward, 41, who works Dairy Partners, covered a staggering 280 miles running each day in February for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Despite playing a part in the coronavirus effort, the Sue Ryder charity has suffered a fall in funding due to the closure of its charity shops and cancellation of normal fundraising activities.

“I have known a number of people who have been cared for by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and I wanted to do something to help them, as I heard how much they were struggling during the pandemic,” said Freddy, a semi-professional footballer and Assistant Manager for Bishops Cleeve Football Club.

“One of my good friends, his wife had cancer and Sue Ryder cared for her and it was a good place. The hospice is so well known around Gloucestershire – almost everyone I know has had someone cared for there and the feedback is always really good.

“Lockdown has been tough for so many. People have lost jobs, but I have been really surprised by how many people have donated to my fundraising."

Despite Freddy’s football fitness, he found the challenge gruelling and difficult to fit around his work.

“Half way through February I was flagging. It was cold. I was getting up early before work.

He said that some mornigns it was minus give to minus six, but he didn't let that stop him.

“I talk to myself when running and during the challenge I would think about the people who are struggling and I would tell myself you’re healthy and have a roof over your head.”

He said he wanted to thank everyone who donated and shared his social media posts.

“A lot of people have said I was crazy for doing it but so many people have donated including my work colleagues in Stonehouse and at our partner dairy site in Wales. It means a lot to have their support.”

Freddy’s online giving page is still open for donations.