A teacher hopes he has done a friend who died of a rare disease proud by running 52 half-marathons in a year in his memory.

Philip Young, 52, who teaches politics and history at the Brentwood School, set himself the challenge after losing his friend, Dave Bodell, to lupus in January.

On Saturday he completed the challenge, racking up a total of 682 miles in 2022 and £1,635 for The Lupus Trust.

Philip said: “As a keen runner, I decided 52 half-marathons in a year would be a great way to raise money for the charity.

"It hasn’t been an easy challenge – especially during the hot summer months – but it has been great."

This Is Local London: Philip Young, 52, ran 52 half marathons in 2022 for The Lupus Trust after losing his friend to the condition in January.Philip Young, 52, ran 52 half marathons in 2022 for The Lupus Trust after losing his friend to the condition in January. (Image: Philip Young)

Philip finished the challenge four weeks ahead of schedule, sometimes running more than one half-marathon each week.

Dave’s family travelled from their home in Portsmouth to Essex to cheer Philip as he crossed the finish line.

Philip added: "Thanks to all my friends and family who braved the cold to support me during the last run on Saturday – especially the ones who ran or cycled the last 13 miles with me.

"This has been an amazing experience, and I hope we’ve done my friend proud.”

This Is Local London: Philip Young, 52, ran 52 half marathons in 2022 for The Lupus Trust after losing his friend to the condition in January.Philip Young, 52, ran 52 half marathons in 2022 for The Lupus Trust after losing his friend to the condition in January. (Image: Philip Young)

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s organs.

At its mildest it causes joint and skin problems and tiredness, but can cause swelling of joints, major organs such as the lungs or kidneys and inflammation that damages the heart and brain. 

The Lupus Trust aims to support research at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, the largest lupus unit in Europe.