A former soldier has run an incredible 211 km – that’s 131 miles – in just 50 hours to raise funds for 12-year-old Aggie Candy-Waters who is suffering from the world’s rarest disease.

And it was a picture of Aggie that helped him to battle through the weather, sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

Darren said: “There was a moment coming into marathon three that I hit a real low point and felt like that was it. I tried to sleep for 10 minutes as I hadn’t slept in 37 hours, but the pain in my feet was too much. So I rang Aggie’s parents to get a photo of Aggie, and I also got a picture of my own kids sent through. That was all I needed to push me through to the end.”

Just three weeks ago, the 5 IN 50 challenge was conceived by Darren having seen Aggie’s story on social media inspiring him to do something to help. The challenge, which would push Darren almost to breaking point, saw him complete five marathons back-to-back, carrying everything he needs in an Osprey backpack from his nutrition provided by Resilient Nutrition, to water, wet kit, warm kit and first aid kit.

Darren’s wife, Gemma added: “I think he’s amazing how he can have a little idea three weeks ago and now all of a sudden it’s now a reality with £17,000 raised so far.”

All of the money raised will be going towards lifesaving treatment for Aggie who was diagnosed with H-ABC, at the age of five. Now Aggie who used to run, play and sing is permanently in a wheelchair and is rapidly losing her fine motor skills – meaning she is fed, dressed and carried by her parents, and is losing her ability to speak.

Richard Candy-Waters, Aggie’s dad, said: “It’s absolutely priceless that Darren can raise the profile of the condition, and the gutsy way that Darren has taken on this challenge is extraordinary. We are eternally grateful to Darren for every step he took over the last few days.”

Darren, a double gold medallist and Warrior Games record breaker completed numerous extreme sports challenges for charity in 2020, raising £24,000. 5in50 is up there with the toughest.

To support Darren and donate to this cause, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-hardy123