A “ROCKET MAN” from Holwick, who ran more than 4,000 kilometres as part of a year-long challenge to raise funds for two autistic support groups, has set up his own charity.
Craig Huddart set himself the challenge of running 10km every day last year, completing a half marathon on Sundays.
He finished his 365-day challenge, raising more than £3,000 for the Alan Shearer Centre and the North East Autism Society.
But no sooner had he completed his mammoth feat on December 31, racking up 4,225km in total, he set himself a new challenge for 2023.
He said: “I’ve caught the fundraising bug and have decided to try to make a difference in a different way. I’ve decided to start my own charity – the Rocket Charitable Foundation, along with two of my business partners, Anthony Boyce and Graeme Matthews.
“The aim is to help a whole range of people from those struggling with mental health issues, the autistic and disabled communities, veterans, people struggling with asylum issues and homelessness.”
Mr Huddart, who has 20 years’ experience in the archaeology field, set up his own company, Rocket Heritage and Archaeology, while completing his running challenge last year.
Initially the firm, which employs 30 people, was based at Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services), in Middleton-in-Teesdale, but moved to premises at Rokeby.
However, due to the rapid expansion of the businesses, Mr Huddart and his partners have created a new headquarters at the former YMCA building in Galgate, Barnard Castle, with additional offices in Hall Street.
He added: “Over the last few weeks I started to ask myself what was the point in having businesses if I can’t help people. If I’m honest I was ashamed at the amount of money we spent on ‘stuff’ in the name of Christmas – presents, food and luxury items – when people are struggling on a daily basis.
“I struggled emotionally with the divide I had created and the roots that I had started to forget. My grandparents were working class and proud and would help anyone in need.
“I want the foundation to help people in need, no matter the race or colour or which God they worship.
“Moving forward I will be donating a healthy percentage of any business profits to the Rocket Foundation, with the aim of being able to help those that need help, whether helping out those struggling for food and shelter, or people struggling with just existing.”
The foundation will also
be offering employment
and training opportunities through Mr Huddart’s network of businesses – Rocket Heritage and Archaeology, Rocket Ecology, Rocket Construction and Rocket Architectural Design.
Mr Huddart added: “I’m also hoping to put on regular fundraising events, an annual ball and to link up with other charities and individuals to support them and raise awareness for their amazing causes. There’ll be sponsored walks, fitness challenges and even a go at getting our name in the Guinness Book of Records.”
Mr Huddart also aims to run five kilometres, row a further two kilometres and complete 50 burpees (a push up followed by a leap into the air) every day.
Any funds raised from this challenge will go to the newly formed foundation.
He added: “If anyone out there wants to undertake their own challenge – whether it be a one-day, month-long or even year-long thing, we’d be honoured if you’d do it in the name of our Rocket Foundation.”
People can contact Mr Huddart via www.rocketha.com
