James McLeod, 26, from Rowlands Gill in Gateshead, has found his "purpose for life" through a year-long running challenge honouring his father, Jimmy, who died by suicide in November 2025 at the age of 52.
Since January 1 this year, James has committed to running an average of 52 miles each week throughout 2026, a challenge he calls "52 for 52." The fundraising effort supports If U Care Share Foundation, a Chester-le-Street charity focused on suicide prevention and bereavement support.
A tribute to a beloved father
With around 13 weeks remaining in the challenge, James has reflected on the loss of his father and the months that have followed. He has received support from figures including Denise Welch and local MPs Mary Foy and Liz Twist, with £5,456 raised for the charity at the time of writing.
Speaking about his dad, James said: "My dad was everything to us, he was a light-hearted and boisterous character, and the true definition of a family man. He was football daft, he loved running as well, and he always told me to help people in any way that I could."
He added: "He had his demons, as is the case with so many people, but he loved us so much, and the two of us were inseparable. I always say to people, 'if you get on with me then you would have loved my dad', we might as well have been twins really."
Channeling grief through running
The loss on November 30 last year, which James describes as "a make or break moment for him," pushed him to undertake the extreme fundraising challenge for the County Durham charity, with which he had previous links.
James continued: "This challenge has definitely been a way to channel my grief, but it has also helped me mentally and physically. I wasn't in good shape when I started with everything that was going on, but I feel like I am in a much better place now."
"It really feels like I am embodying my dad with what he told me about helping others, and the benefits that I get from it are a bonus. 52 miles was hard at the start, but I'm sometimes doing 100 now, so it feels much more doable, and we are picking up more traction with the donations which is great."
Looking ahead to the finish
"It's a bit of a double-edged sword, as we're going into winter so it gets harder with the weather, but I am getting closer to being successful with this at the same time. I don't feel like this is for me, it is for my dad, and the people who we will be helping through the money that we raise."
"I want to thank everyone for the donations that they have made, and let anyone who wants to donate know just how grateful I am for that. I think that I have found my purpose in life through doing this, and I will continue doing everything that I can to make my dad proud."
Donations to James' campaign can be made through his dedicated JustGiving page.
