WillU Group CEO Jack Lane-Matthews takes on epic 52-mile challenge for Spread a Smile
One incredible supporter. Fifty two miles. Twelve hours. Countless smiles.
Spread a Smile is incredibly proud to have the support of Jack Lane-Matthews, Group CEO and Co-Owner at WillU Group, who is taking on an extraordinary fundraising challenge as part of our upcoming fundraising appeal from 5–9 July.
On 9 July, Jack will be running 52 miles – the equivalent of a double marathon- in just 12 hours. Starting on the hour, every hour, he’ll head out to run approximately four miles before returning to the start line and doing it all over again.
It’s a huge physical and mental test, but for Jack, the motivation is simple.
“I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand the incredible work Spread a Smile does and the happiness it brings to seriously ill children and their families. Every visit, every performance and every smile makes a real difference, and that’s what will keep me going when my legs start to hurt.
“This challenge is about pushing myself to help create moments of joy for children who are facing challenges far greater than any 52-mile run. If it inspires even one other person to take on their own fundraising challenge, that would be amazing.”
Jack is no stranger to endurance events. Last year he completed the London Marathon and Ironman Austria, spending months training for the challenges and covering more than 100 miles every week. Now he’s setting himself another ambitious goal in support of Spread a Smile.
We’re so grateful to have Jack as part of the Spread a Smile family and can’t wait to cheer him on every mile of the way.
It’s not too late to become an Appeal Champion.
Whether you’re planning a run, a cycle, a bake sale, a quiz night or something completely different, we’d love you to join us between 5 and 9 July and take on your own challenge to help spread smiles when they’re needed most.
Good luck, Jack – we’ll be with you every step of the 50 miles (in spirit!).