Thom Milburn, a dad of two children at Springmoor Grange Primary School is set to run not just a marathon, but the marathon and three ultramarathons to help raise funds for the Friends of Springmoor Grange – a dedicated parent group who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of every child at the school.
This year, the Friends are aiming to transform Springmoor’s outdoor provision: creating spaces where children can explore, play, learn, and thrive.
“I’m a firm believer in the power of the outdoors to shape confident, curious, resilient young people,” said Thom. “In a world where screens compete for every moment of attention, children need safe, inspiring outdoor spaces more than ever.
“Fresh air, movement, imagination, and hands‑on exploration aren’t just ‘nice to have’, they’re essential for wellbeing, learning, and happiness.
“To help make the Friends’ vision a reality, I’ve set myself a challenge that pushes me far beyond my comfort zone.”
Between April and September 2026, Thom will be taking on four major endurance events — running hundreds of miles to raise funds for Springmoor’s outdoor transformation. He’ll be sharing the journey, the training, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and every muddy mile along the way.
In April, he will run the Manchester Marathon, which wil be his first official marathon.
Then in May he’ll add another 31 miles during the Keswick Mountain Festival. Hills, glorious hills.
In June he will run The Wall – the 70 mile stretch from Carlisle to Newcastle, in the footsteps of Romans.
Then in September will come the final challenge of The Seven Valleys, a 68 mile navigation of some of the Lake District’s most beautiful and most severe trails, making a total of 195 miles.
Thom has set up a gofundme page to help collect his fundraising.
Every donation will help create outdoor spaces where children can:
- learn through real, hands‑on experiences;
- build confidence, independence, and resilience;
- enjoy imaginative, active play and
- connect with nature in meaningful ways.
“As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how much children benefit from being outdoors,” said Thom, “and how much more they could gain with the right spaces and resources.”
Anyone wishing to help Thom and the Friends’ cause can contribute here.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
