'I don't regret running a marathon every day'

A man says he is feeling "every emotion under the sun" after running a marathon every day this year.

James Cooper, from East Grinstead, West Sussex, said he set himself the challenge of running 26.2 miles (42km) a day to raise money for the Samaritans after his uncle took his own life.

After completing his last marathon of 2024 on New Year's Eve, the 37-year-old told the BBC he was "completely overwhelmed" with happiness, although there was a "tinge of sadness, like with all good things when they come to an end".

"I always dreamt of this [moment] and it has come to fruition," he said.

Mr Cooper said the challenge had helped him "find meaning in the sadness" his family had experienced after his uncle's death.

He has raised about £85,000 out of a £703,000 target - a pound for every life lost to suicide around the world each year, as recorded by the World Health Organization.

"Every pound matters because it's our way of honouring every life that has passed too soon," he said.

Mr Cooper ran some 9,600 miles across 366 marathons over the year as 2024 was a leap year.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch him finish the challenge.

Mr Cooper told BBC Radio Sussex he had gone through 22 pairs of trainers and burnt nearly 6,000 calories a day.

He added that the feat had involved a "lot of sacrifice", partly due to the toll it had taken on his body and how much time running had taken up every day.

"I've had to get up ridiculously early," Mr Cooper said.

"I haven't been able to see my family [and friends] quite as much."

The personal trainer said he loved running and the cause was close to his heart.

"When there's meaning behind what you do, you can find a seventh, eighth gear to get through difficult times," he said.

"Ultimately, what I've done this year is a privilege."

He also said his fiancée Annabel and the wider community had been by his side "every step".

"It's been a real team effort, even though I'm the one pounding the pavements every day."

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