52 miles in 12 hours is no trouble for double marathon man as he raises £3,430 for Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Crowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James Langley as he crossed the finish line, having run 52 miles in 12 hours and raised ?2,500 for charity. He is pictured with his wife Chloe and son Morgan. Picture: IAN MCNULTY (Image: Archant)

The husband and dad, who set himself the challenge of running a double marathon in just one day to raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, was greeted by around 100 residents of the village.

Having completed his final lap - after setting out at 4.30am - James arrived at St Mary’s Church to a fanfare of locals (young and old) who had gathered.

After crossing the finish line with his three-year-old son Morgan holding his hand, James was understandably overwhelmed.

Crowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James Langley as he crossed the finish line, having run 52 miles in 12 hours and raised ?2,500 for charity. He is pictured with local runner Jason Bullman who ran the last 19 miles with him. Picture: LUCY HOWARD (Image: Archant)

He said: “I’d just like to thank everyone for turning up, it’s really incredible. It makes it all worth it.”

And when asked how he was feeling, James replied: “I’ve felt better... I just wish the pub was open.”

The Royal Navy Petty Officer decided to take on the double marathon having been inspired by two “local heroes.

Crowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James LangleyCrowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James Langley as he crossed the finish line, having run 52 miles in 12 hours and raised ?2,500 for charity. He is pictured crossing the finish line with his son Morgan. Picture: LUCY HOWARD (Image: Archant)

“Daniel Eggleton has successfully kicked COVID 19’s bum, after a long stint in Addenbrooke’s intensive care, having to be put into an induced coma.

“Isla McNulty, a seven-year-old girl, is currently being treated at Addenbrookes for a brain tumour.”

James’ wife, Chloe, said: “I’m really proud of him. James never does things by half; he always goes that step further.

Crowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James Langley as he crossed the finish line, having run 52 miles in 12 hours and raised ?2,500 for charity. Picture: BEN JOLLEY (Image: Archant)

“That’s one of the great things about him. Addenbrooke’s have done an amazing job for our family and Dan and Isla who live in the village.

“I’ve always been behind him in everything he does.”

Jason Bullman, a friend of James who ran with him for the last 19 miles, said: “This is an extraordinary effort from James to repay Addenbrooke’s for saving our friend Dan.”

Crowds of cheering people armed with balloons and banners greeted Doddington man James Langley as he crossed the finish line, having run 52 miles in 12 hours and raised ?2,500 for charity. Picture: BEN JOLLEY (Image: Archant)

Tina and Rob Leonard, who run The Three Tuns pub, said: “What a fantastic achievement. You have done so well.”

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Royal Navy petty officer James Langley, who lives in Doddington, set himself the challenge of running 52 miles in one day. This picture shows James crossing the finish line for Ironman UK, having raised over ?3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: JAMES LANGLEY (Image: Archant)

Royal Navy petty officer James Langley, who lives in Doddington, set himself the challenge of running 52 miles in one day. This photo was taken during, what he calls, "a small triathlon". Picture: JAMES LANGLEY (Image: Archant)

Royal Navy petty officer James Langley, who lives in Doddington, set himself the challenge of running 52 miles in one day. This picture shows James crossing the finish line for Ironman UK, having raised over ?3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Picture: JAMES LANGLEY (Image: Archant)