Loughborough and Melton firefighter runs for Rainbows
A Loughborough and Melton firefighter is running 265km over 10 months to raise money for Rainbows Hospice.
James Marman (37), of Melton Mowbrary, wanted to support our charity in memory of his friend’s daughter, Erinne Budd – whose family is also supporting our Spring Appeal.
Last June, seven-year-old Erinne, also of Melton, died from a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumour. James has been friends with Erinne’s dad, Chris, for over 10 years.
They both play rugby at Melton Rugby Club.
James started his challenge in February by running 5km every day. On the final day he was joined by fellow Melton rugby player, Oli Chapman. The pair now have an event planned every other month including the Rutland 10k, the Leicester Half Marathon, Run Alton Towers and a run around Rutland Water.
In August, James will also be running one mile every hour for 24 hours around Melton Mowbrary.
“I am really enjoying the challenges I have done so far, and I look forward to everything coming up and raising as much as I can for Rainbows,” said James. “When I visited Rainbows, seeing firsthand the incredible care and compassion they provide, and knowing the support they gave to Erinne, Chris and Jenn, my decision became clear. It felt deeply meaningful to run in memory of Erinne, which is a huge honour.
“Erinne was so brave. She never made a fuss and she was always bubbly. She always helped people and was just so kind. I just wanted to run in memory of her. Nothing stopped her from doing anything and I remember that when it gets tough. She is my inspiration to carry on.
“Running is also a personal thing for me. Last August, I was at my heaviest weight I have ever been, and I wanted to change that. This is why I set myself the challenge of doing something every other month to keep myself going. I am really enjoying running, it is addictive and I love doing it.”
James, who is a firefighter at Loughborough and an on-call firefighter in Melton, will be cheered on and supported by his wife, Hannah, and his children Samuel (13) and Jessica (seven).
He added: “I set myself a goal to raise £1,000, never expecting to reach it so quickly. But while running 5K every day in February, I came close – and with one final push and the support of others, I smashed it as I’m currently sitting just over £2,100. This journey has meant so much to me, and I’m proud to give back to such a truly special place.”
Oli (41) said: “Running with and supporting James this year took no second thought. It’s with immense love and pride that we can help, just that little bit, to run, to fundraise, and to honour Erinne’s legacy. In life, she was sassy and she could brighten a room with a smile, but what I remember the most, was her empathy; her ability, despite her age, to find ways to give care and attention to others around her. Supporting Rainbows is the ideal way to contribute to Erinne’s legacy and help others with the same loving care and compassion she shared.”
Maria Thompson, Rainbows Community Fundraiser in Melton, said: “James and Oli are incredible fundraisers and are pushing their limits in memory of Erinne. All of the money they raise goes to help children like Erinne who benefit from our palliative and end of life care at the hospice, at home and in the hospitals. We only received 13 percent of our funding from statutory sources, so our fundraisers are pivotal to Rainbows. Thank you James and Oli.”
To sponsor James and Oli, visit James Marman is fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People