AS he was approaching his 30th birthday Lostock AC runner Anthony Wilcock was determined this landmark occasion should be celebrated memorably – not by way of an extravagant holiday or party.

Instead, Wilcock decided to run 30 half marathons in his 30th year to raise money for The Zuri Project in South West Uganda, a grass roots, locally lead sustainability and development project that Wilcock knows very well and was co-founded by his friend Martin Hewell.

In choosing his ‘30 x 30’ half marathons Wilcock was inspired by Martin cycling  3,600km from Amsterdam to Athens in the summer of 2017.

Wilcock chose to raise funds for the Zuri Project partially because of his own involvement but also because he was confident that the localised nature of the Zuri Project meant all money raised would have a more direct impact on those local communities in Uganda, not something he felt confident might happen with larger charities.

Having travelled extensively abroad, including in Uganda, Wilcock decided to further explore the UK in his half-marathon odyssey, which has taken him round, among others, Oulton Park motor racing circuit and Aintree racecourse, as well as taking in local events such as the To the Pike and Back Half Marathon, massive events with thousands of competitors in Manchester and the very small races, such as Gregynog half marathon, which had a field of 34 competitors.

Wilcock completed his 30th half marathon in Aberdeenshire at the Huntley Half Marathon, where his grandparents live, and in perfect symmetry finished 30th to end his challenge.

Upon finishing at Huntley Wilcock paid tribute to all the people who had supported him over the course of the last 12 months, specifically his family and partner Lauren.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Zuri Project details can be found online at zuriproject.co.uk.

Donations can be made online by visiting cafdonate.cafonline.org/8833