What’s got two legs, and runs 393 miles in 30 days?

Wor Jackie of course!

Selfless PC Ian Milbourne, better known as Jackie, is putting his best foot forward, and spending the month of June completing 30 half marathons in the hopes of raising vital funds for a charity close to his heart.

The officer, who had never actually taken up running until January this year, will be setting off at Wylam each day running to Ovingham via Prudhoe and back for 30 days straight  - in the name of Amy and Friends – a charity which offers life-changing to support to children living with Trichothiodystrophy (TTD).

The rare genetic condition affects so few people around the world that when PC Milbourne’s 10-year-old son Cameron was diagnosed several years ago, he was only one of around 200 people with an official diagnosis.

Beginning his challenge on June 1, and finishing on June 30, Wor Jackie, who is based in Newcastle’s West End, will also see some familiar faces on his travels, with members of the Force from PC to Superintendent dusting off their runners and hitting the track with him.

Speaking about his challenge, PC Milbourne said: “My son Cameron has a life-limiting condition called Trichothiodystrophy (TTD) something most people probably won’t have heard of.  But it basically affects his whole body, and he sometimes needs a wheelchair as he can fall quite easily. 

 “Amy and Friends is an amazing charity set up to help families like mine, and last year we went to the conference they host where people from all over the world attend. It was amazing as Cameron got to meet people just like him and was the first time he’d actually ever met anyone with the disease he has. 

“The care and support they offer families is phenomenal and I knew I needed to do something to help. Cameron challenged me to run 30 half marathons for every day in June - 393 miles. I’ve always been fit and healthy but the first time I’d ever ran a proper race was January this year, so it’s been a real challenge so far.

 “I’ve got friends and colleagues from across the Force who have agreed to come and take part in various runs with me, the show of support has been amazing. It’s probably not how everyone wants to spend their annual leave, but I can’t think of a better way.”

 PC Milbourne is now on day 14 of his challenge and so far has raised a total of £4449.

If you would like to donate to his cause, please follow the link to his JustGiving page: Sarah-ann Bennett-milbourne is fundraising for Amy and Friends (justgiving.com)

PC Milbourne is just one many officers going that extra mile to help others. Have you considered joining #TeamNP?

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