Eastbourne hotel owner to try and set world record for charity

Neil Kirby, who owns the Langham Hotel in Royal Parade, is hoping to be the first 70-year-old to complete a marathon on a treadmill as he is aiming to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice supports adults with life-limiting illnesses in and around Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield and Heathfield.

Mr Kirby, who has completed 209 half marathon, 49 full marathons and a 50 mile run, said the record attempt will not be adjudicated by the Guinness World Records group but another world record organisation.

He added: “A 70-year-old hasn’t been stupid enough to run a marathon on a treadmill.”

Mr Kirby will start running on a treadmill on the terrace of the Langham Hotel on November 26.

The runner, who has completed 19 London Marathons, said he is hoping to finish in four-and-a-half hours.

So far Mr Kirby has raised £3,000, but is hoping to donate £5,000 to the hospice.

As part of the event the hotel will be setting up a gazebo and a big screen which will show Mr Kirby’s time.

The hotel owner, who had hip replacement surgery two years ago, said: “I am not a great runner on the treadmill, I’m a road runner.

“It’s a great way to raise money. It’s unique, it’s different.”

Fortunately for My Kirby, as the challenge has not been completed before he has no time to beat and is allowed to get off the treadmill.

He added: “I have never not finished a race. I don’t give up and it’s for a great cause.”

The hotel owner has raised around £350,000 over the years and often chooses to donate to local charities.

Sarah Marsh, community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: “Good luck to Neil with this phenomenal world record attempt. We have a long-running (no joke intended) relationship with Neil and the Langham Hotel and are so grateful for all he has done for us over the years. We are thrilled he is once again fundraising for St Wilfrid’s with this amazing challenge.”

If you would like to donate please visit the Langham Hotel or Mr Kirby’s JustGiving page.

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