St Helens barber runs 10 marathons in 10 days to combat homelessness

Despite only getting into running a year ago, Jordan Willis said he got the "runner's high" from completing the Manchester Marathon back in April, and found it was a great release after the trauma of his dad and grandad's passing in the same week began to resurface.

Realising how much running helped his own mental health, the 29-year-old began to set himself ever more extreme targets to not only improve his own situation but to "make a difference to people's lives".

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Jordan said he got the “runner’s high” after completing the Manchester Marathon (Image: Jordan Willis)

Thinking of a challenge that would make a real difference, Jordan landed on the goal of completing ten marathons in ten days to help the 10,000 people that Mustard Tree, a homelessness charity in Greater Manchester, support every month.

Growing up on a council estate in Bury, Jordan said that he chose to run for Mustard Tree after seeing countless people living on the streets and wanting to do something he can to help.

Jordan works at the popular Sean The Barber on Oxford Street, which has sports stars and musician clients (Image: Jordan Willis)

Jordan, who works at the popular Sean The Barber on Oxford Street, near St Helens town centre, said: "I'm never one to cry poverty but I was brought up on a council estate and my mum did struggle to make ends meet.

"I think that's instilled in me a desire to help others and especially those who are less fortunate than myself, so I wanted to do something extreme that would help me but also other people."

Jordan worked morning shifts at the barber shop and ran a marathon after work for ten days (Image: Jordan Willis)

With such a mammoth goal to achieve, the 29-year-old said he felt positive for the first half of his challenge as he continued to work morning shifts at the barber shop, and complete the daily 26 mile run after work.

His injuries began to pile up around day six, however, and a swollen Achilles resulted in the barber walking for nine hours to complete marathon seven.

Nevertheless, as he was "never going to quit", Jordan received some urgent physiotherapy and was able to power through and complete the ten day challenge.

Jordan is now recovering after his incredible ten in ten challenge (Image: Jordan Willis)

Now recovering in Italy after his incredible effort, Jordan said: "A few years ago, I never would have dreamed of running more than 6k, never mind a marathon.

"I just thought what could I do to really push myself and overcoming the [physical] struggle has helped with my own struggle.

"And I didn't realise how many people it would actually inspire because I've had literally hundreds of messages."

To congratulate Jordan on his huge achievement, you can donate to his fundraiser for Mustard Tree here.