Northern Ireland

Runner marking end of gruelling 5,000km challenge in memory of Co Down friend

Challenge is dedicated to Bangor man Simon Robinson, who died in 2022

Simon Robinson (left), who died in 2022. He is pictured in Hong Kong with friend Jack Wyse, who is completing a challenge to run 5km for 1,000 days in a row in Simon's memory.
Simon Robinson (left), who died in 2022. He is pictured in Hong Kong with friend Jack Wyse, who is completing a challenge to run 5km for 1,000 days in a row in Simon's memory.
By Paul Ainsworth

The friend of a Co Down man who died of blood cancer is taking the concept of a 5K run to a whole new level as he completes a 5,000km running challenge.

Simon Robinson, from Bangor, died in 2022 at the age of 31 shortly after being diagnosed with lymphoma.

He had been working as a physiotherapist in Hong Kong, where he was also a keen trail runner.

Following his death, his friend Jack Wyse, originally from London, set himself a gruelling challenge to run 5km for an incredible 1,000 days in a row.

He has completed the daily runs in locations including Hong Kong International Airport, London, and even the Glastonbury Festival.

He is marking his 5,000th kilometre during a special 100km run with Simon’s friend and fellow Bangor man Michael Elhorn, with the pair running on Friday from Newcastle in Co Down to a memorial bench for Simon by the coast in his home town.

Jack Wyse and Bangor's Michael Elhorn are running 100km on Friday, with Jack marking his 5,000th kilometre in memory of Simon Robinson along the way.
Jack Wyse and Bangor's Michael Elhorn are running 100km on Friday, with Jack marking his 5,000th kilometre in memory of Simon Robinson along the way.

The 100km run is also raising funds for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI charity, and the pair have already smashed a £5,000 target, with over £6,700 raised by Thursday on their JustGiving page.

“Simon was such a significant and loved figure in our lives, and his loss has left a huge void in so many hearts,” Jack said.

“We wanted to do something big and meaningful to honour him. Our main goal is to keep Simon’s memory alive, because anyone who knew him understands just how much he deserves it.”

A memorial bench for Simon Robinson in Bangor, Co Down.
A memorial bench for Simon Robinson in Bangor, Co Down.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI Chairperson, Richard Buchanan, said: “We are deeply moved by the dedication Jack and Michael have shown through their running challenges. Their commitment not only honours their dear friend Simon but also raises essential awareness and support for our charity.

“We are incredibly grateful to them and to everyone contributing to this heartfelt cause. It’s a touching coincidence that the final day of their challenge falls on the same date as our 60th Anniversary Gala Ball in Belfast, and we look forward to welcoming them to the event.”