Luton dad runs seven marathons in seven days to help young victims of crime

Luton father-of-three Daniel Brosnan likes taking on marathon challenges – that’s why he’s run SEVEN marathons in seven days to help children harmed by crime.

The 42 year old paint sprayer has run around 183 miles in the past week, culminating in the London Marathon on Sunday when he completed the course in a personal best time of three hours 50 minutes.

He is hoping to raise £1,500 for Embrace Child Victims of Crime which last year supported 1,081 children, young people and their families in Bedfordshire who had been victims or witnesses to harrowing crimes.

It’s not the first time Daniel has run to raise money for the charity which supports children, young people and their families who have been traumatised by crimes such as sexual and physical abuse, violence and exploitation.

Last year, Daniel ran seven half marathons in a week, finishing with The Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 10.

Daniel said: “I have always loved running and up until this year I have run about 50 marathons but they had all been over a long period of time.

“I’ve never attempted seven in a week before! After running for Embrace last year I was keen to support them again so I asked to be considered for one of their London Marathon places.

"It was amazing,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done the London Marathon and everyone out there was cheering, I’ve signed up for next year’s already! And my family was there yesterday to cheer me on.”

Daniel chose to run for Embrace because his friend Kayleigh works within the charity’s therapeutic team.

"The charity is amazing, they do so much good for people, especially in this area.”

Daniel regularly runs around six/seven miles a day, increasing his level at the weekends, he also swims and cycles and has been running for the past 10 years. “I tend to keep myself occupied,” he joked.

He was back at work on Monday but admitted to feeling “a little bit achey.”

The charity provides emotional support and counselling as well as practical support including food and clothing vouchers, toys, games and books to those affected by all types of crime including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and homicide in all its forms.

Anne Campbell, chief executive of Peterborough based Embrace Child Victims of Crime, said: “We are so grateful to Daniel for doing this extraordinary marathon feat. Daniel’s fundraising along with the interest his challenge will attract will do an amazing job to raise our profile and help us reach many more children who have suffered as a result of crime.

“Without Daniel and our other supporters we could not provide all the vital services we do for some of the most vulnerable children in society who through no fault of their own are suffering terrible trauma from crime.”

To sponsor Daniel and help him reach his goal visit his JustGiving page.