A competitor taking part in last month's Aldi Ashby 20 raised almost £4,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Ed Brightling, 20, from Leicester, ran in honour of his five-year-old niece, Wren, who is receiving support from the charity at Leicester Royal Infirmary after being diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

He raised an incredible £3,595 for the Teenage Cancer Trust after taking part in the renowned Ashby event.

The Aldi Ashby 20 once again brought together 1,500 runners, over 250 volunteers, and local community groups for a day of grit, determination, and generosity. 

This year's event celebrated not only incredible efforts on the course, but also in the causes it supported, raising thousands of pounds and uniting people with a shared mission, to complete a tough 20-mile race, whilst having the opportunity to raise much-needed charity funds.

Arranged by Ivanhoe Runners, the 20-mile race continues along its ethos of being 'organised by runners, for runners', a not-for-profit celebration of excellence, endurance, and community since 1989.

Richard Bebbington Ashby 20 Race Director presenting a £900 cheque to Margaret Hawksworth, President of Ashby Castle Rotary

Whilst attracting elite runners, many training for a marathon, this year's race continued its strong tradition of charitable giving. 

Many runners contributed in raising thousands of pounds for a range of local and national causes. 

These include the official charities supported by the race, Teenage Cancer Trust (Aldi's charity partner), Heartwize for Runners, Bright Hope, and Wishes 4 Kids.

Ed typified the fundraising from the event, and said: "I chose the Teenage Cancer Trust as it is a charity close to my heart.

"My Niece, Wren, was diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia back in October. The charity provides amazing support for children and young adults with cancer, and the work they do is so highly important both for children's physical health and their pastoral wellbeing. 

"The Ashby 20 is definitely a hard run, very hilly, I struggled in parts, especially with blisters and cramps, but I powered through. 

"I think that doing the race was the best way that I could raise some money for something that is so meaningful to myself, and to many others across the country."

The event aspires to be recognised as the best volunteer-organised 20-mile race in the country. 

This helps it to attract local support from community organisations, without whom, the event would simply not exist. Huge recognition goes to the key contributors which includes: Ivanhoe Runners, Rotary Club of Ashby Castle, Odessey Explorer Scouts, Leicestershire Search and Rescue (LeicSAR), Ashby Spa WI, and East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS).

These groups not only helped deliver the race but also benefited from donations made to support their own good causes. 

Their presence on the day reflected the heart of what the Ashby 20 represents: a shared commitment to community, connection, and care. 

This spirit underpins the event's wider mission, this being to celebrate sporting excellence, encourage participation, and create a welcoming environment where every runner feels supported.

Like any event of this magnitude it takes many months of hard work to organise. Plans are already underway for next year's event, taking place on Sunday, March 22.

For further information, see www.ashby20.co.uk or email [email protected].