James and Mike, local Bradford residents, will be running 133 miles across 6 days between the 20th and 26th June. They will be running 22 miles per day!

Why? They are looking to raise funds for their church, Sunbridge Road Mission, who are desperately in need of a new building. The Church will be 133 years old on Sunday 26th June.

Mike was inspired with the idea soon after joining the church about a year ago, hearing their need. Mike had met a Christian lady through his running group and started to explore a faith in God. He began to attend Sunbridge Road Mission where he quickly felt welcomed, and cared for by the community. "God and the church have had a huge, positive impact on my life and I see this challenge as a way to give back to them. Our current Church building is in need of a lot of repair and isn't fit for purpose so I want to help the community in ensuring there is a place for the future generations to be cared for by the church."

Sunbridge Road Mission is a church in one of the most deprived areas in the heart of Bradford, it was originally formed by knocking through 6 back-to-back cottages which limits how much refurbishment can be accomplished. The Church is extremely active in the community supporting many refugees and asylum seekers, running english classes, community groups, children's groups and distributing food and aid to those suffering from homelessness in the city. With a thriving family community they want to ensure their outreach work can continue for another 133 years, which this new building will facilitate. The Church have already purchased a piece of land opposite their current site and raised £8-900k towards their £2.4million target. They are holding fundraising events, applying to trusts and foundations and looking for local individuals and businesses to support their cause. To find out more details about the project please watch the video below:

Mike and James are hoping to raise £10k from their extreme running challenge. They will be running up and down the canal between Rodley and Riddleston every day, the week beginning the 20th June. They have planned the route so that people in their church family can join them and also get sponsored. The running schedule is below and includes laps of the field at hirst woods for parents and toddlers to join in, two evening sessions for those working and the church youth group to join on bikes and a time dedicated for the refugee group from church to join in running, amongst others who plan to join! The week will build up to a family morning on Sat 26th at Hirst Woods, where James and Mike will run up (after completing Park Run at St Robert's Park) and join their church family in 20 laps of the Cricket Pitch outside Higher Ground. The coffee shop will be dedicating their takings for the day to the cause. Mike & James' last 4 miles will be to the Church's Sunday morning service at 10.30am where they will join with their church family in celebrating the anniversary.