A worker at a company in Whitchurch has raised more than £2,000 for a children’s hospice charity by tackling one of the toughest foot races in the world.

Steve O’Connor, an employee at Americold cold storage participated in The Spine Race, a 430km foot race from Pennine Way to Scotland, raising funds for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith hospices in Oswestry and Conwy.

Mr O’Connor, speaking about the race, said: "It’s renowned as one of the most brutal races in the world," highlighting the challenging nature of the event.

He described his run, which began at 8am on June 16, with a goal to reach Scotland by 8pm the following Saturday.

"Within the first 40km of the race a third of the field had retired, there had been two broken legs one broken wrist and another runner rescued with hypothermia," Mr O’Connor revealed.

Steve will be back to try again in 2025  (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

After three days and enduring hallucinations from sleep deprivation and a knee injury on Pen Y Ghent, his challenge was brutally cut short.

However, Mr O'Connor said: "I am still pleased with the achievement and also with the support I received from family friends and Americold associates in the form or messages, encouragement and sponsorship which including a generous donation from Americold themselves.

"Together we raised an amazing £2,026 for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

“Entries opened for the Spine race 2025 and I was one of the first in the queue.

“So, for all those that watched my dot move up the map on the race tracking system, you can have another chance next year."

Bethan Young, area fundraiser for the hospices, praised Mr O’Connor, saying: "I am in awe of Steve’s commitment in these challenges, he really pushes himself to the limit.

"He has been an incredible supporter of our hospices and we are so grateful for his ongoing support.

"A huge thank you to Americold for helping Steve reach his fundraising target which will help us on our mission to provide the best care, respite, physiotherapy and counselling for seriously ill children and their families."