'I’m just an ordinary bloke trying to make a difference'

4:30pm Saturday 13th March 2010

By Amie Mulderrig

A determined runner who has completed four marathons in 24 hours to raise money for wounded soldiers, has run a lap of honour at Vicarage Road Stadium this afternoon.

Richard Kell, 38, started his challenge yesterday afternoon at Peterborough United’s London Stadium and headed for Stadium:MK, home to the MK Dons.

He then continued his run to Barnet FC’s Underhill ground arriving at Watford’s football stadium shortly after 1pm today.

Mr Kell, who works as a sales manager for a bank, is running the four-marathon challenge to raise £1 million for Help for Heroes, an organisation which support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded while serving their country.

He said: “I am absolutely shattered, I’ve run 95 miles, from Peterborough to Watford via Milton Keynes and Barnet for the ‘4ootball’ marathon.

“I don’t know how I’ve managed to complete the lap after how far I’ve run already - but this has been the ultimate test of endurance.”

Mr Kell, of Woolston Avenue, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, completed a 10k run and cross country event last year, and ran 45 miles for the Country to Capital race this year.

He said he initially started running in order to get fit, but decided he would try and raise money for Help for Heroes, a charity close to his heart.

Mr Kell explained: “You see news stories all the time where soldiers who are fighting for us have been badly injured or killed.

“Help for Heroes goes above and beyond to help and I wanted to do all I can to support them.

“What started off a single marathon has grown and I hope to run at least 12 marathons throughout the year, covering the length and breadth of the UK.

“The next run will be the Great Glen Death March on April 3, covering 100km, from the west to east coast of Scotland.”

The kind-hearted runner, whose brother-in-law is in the RAF, said he decided to run lesser-known “unsung” marathons as a tribute to our “unsung heroes” and has so far raised £5,556.50.

He said: “I’m still quite a bit off my target of £1 million, but I would encourage people to give whatever they can spare.

“I’ve spent the past 23 hours running through treacherous weather and road conditions - I’m covered in blisters and everything aches.

“I’m just an ordinary bloke –not an athlete- trying to make a difference and I’d urge others to do the same by sponsoring me.”