A former Powys headteacher raised over £10,000 for Parkinson’s UK by running seven 10k runs in seven days.

Over the course of a week Phil Jones, the former head teacher of Ysgol Bro Caereinion ran seven 10k runs, culminating with crossing the finish line at the Welshpool 10k Run on Sunday, March 24.

Mr Jones described the challenge as “absolutely superb”, having raised £10,300 for Parkinson’s UK in recognition of his father, who fought the disease before passing away in November 2023.

Describing his week of running, he said: “my three aims from the challenge were to raise the profile and awareness of Parkinson’s in whatever way I could, get more people engaged with physical activity evidence that an increase in physical fitness and exercise can help delay the onset of the disease, as well as simply raising money for an important cause.

“It’s gone way beyond what I expected and it was an extraordinary experience to meet and run alongside people who have been impacted by the disease.

“One of those people was Paul O’Connell, who is 58 years old and living with Parkinson’s. He ran on three occasions. It was inspirational to be reminded what people battle on a daily basis when living with Parkinson’s. It makes my running challenge look easy in comparison.”

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The week of running began on Monday, March 18, with a 10k run along the Montgomery canal.

The challenge was officially started by Welshpool Mayor Nick Howells as Mr Jones was joined by dozens of runners for the first leg of the task, as well as at other venues in Newtown College Campus, Gregynog Hall and Ysgol Meifod.

County Times: Day one of Phil Jones's 7 x 10k challenge in aid of Parkinson's UK in Welshpool.

He added: “I’d like to thank Sam Maguinness, who ran alongside me every day of the week, as well as Rob and Rhys Jones from Great Fitness, who offered great support who took part in fundraising throughout the challenge.

“I’d also like to thank Alan Lewis for organising Welshpool 10k, which was an incredible finale to the week-long challenge.

“Overall I’m really pleased with how it’s gone, the engagement has been fabulous and any way we can help raise awareness as well as funds is a good thing in my books.

“We’re already making plans for what we can do next year.”