Community Spirit Shines as York Runner's Recovery Journey Inspires Major Hospital Fundraiser
An extraordinary display of community solidarity has emerged in York, where the running community, friends, and family have united to raise a remarkable £6,443 for York Hospital. This heartfelt initiative was launched in support of local runner Simon Middleton, whose own health battle became the catalyst for this generous fundraising effort.
A Decade of Running Inspiration Faces Unexpected Challenge
Simon Middleton has been a familiar and inspirational figure on York's running scene for over ten years. His athletic achievements are nothing short of impressive, ranging from blisteringly fast parkrun times to completing seven marathons in seven consecutive days and tackling punishing 110-mile ultramarathons. Beyond his personal accomplishments, Simon has dedicated years to supporting fellow runners, serving as a parkrun event director and run director, and acting as chair of York Postal Harriers, where he mentored countless individuals to embrace their own physical challenges.
In a sudden and frightening turn of events, Simon faced his most difficult personal challenge in November 2024 when he was admitted to York Hospital in a critical condition. Throughout this anxious period, his family found immense comfort and support from the dedicated NHS teams who provided exceptional care with unwavering focus on his recovery.
The #DoItForSimon Campaign: A Community in Motion
In early 2025, Simon's family initiated the #DoItForSimon campaign as a heartfelt thank you to the hospital staff, setting an initial fundraising target of £5,000. The response from the local community was immediate and powerful. Runners across York and beyond began taking on personal challenges throughout the year, participating in events including:
- The Yorkshire Marathon
- The Haxby 10k
- Numerous other local running events
As the campaign gained momentum, more people joined the cause, creating a powerful wave of community support. The campaign reached a particularly emotional milestone in December 2025 when Simon made his triumphant return to York Knavesmire to complete his first parkrun since becoming unwell. This special event alone raised an additional £470, pushing the final total to £6,443 and comfortably exceeding the original target.
Charity Leaders Hail Inspiring Community Effort
Emma Sargent, fundraising manager at York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, expressed profound gratitude for the campaign's success. "Simon's determination is genuinely inspiring, but what stands out just as much is the community that has grown around him," she stated. "The #DoItForSimon campaign has brought people together - family, friends and local runners taking on challenges to say thank you to the staff who cared for Simon when he needed it most. This is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to everyone who got involved."
Sargent continued, "We're really grateful to Simon and his family for choosing to support York Hospital in this way, and we want to say thank you to every single person who ran, donated, encouraged and shared the message. It's made a real difference."
How Charity Support Enhances Local Healthcare
York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity plays a vital role in supporting local NHS services by funding additional resources that significantly improve patient, family, and staff experiences. These contributions typically include:
- Enhancements to hospital environments and facilities
- Acquisition of additional medical equipment
- Support for special projects that enhance care quality and patient experience
The funds raised through the #DoItForSimon campaign will directly contribute to these important initiatives, ensuring that Simon's story and the community's generosity continue to make a meaningful impact on healthcare services in York.
