BACK in 2016, Matt Trenaman and Gemma Salmon held a 37-hour football match and fun day called "Kick for Lily" to raise money for the charity Kicks Count.

This was in memory of their daughter, Lily, who was sadly stillborn in Jan 2016, 37-weeks into Gemma’s pregnancy.

Following their tragic loss, they came across Kicks Count, a relatively small charity that aims to reduce the UK’s high stillbirth and neonatal death rate by raising awareness of baby movements.

They managed to raise around £24,000 from their "Kick For Lily" event, thanks to the support of many friends and family.

This year marked five years since Lily’s death, so Matt and Gemma wanted to remember their daughter whilst raising further funds for Kicks Count.

"Run For Lily" was suggested and on Sunday, July 25, Matt set off to run 37-miles from his house in Crediton, out to Topsham and back again, finishing on the pitch at Crediton United Football Club (where Matt is the first team manager). 

Matt completed the run in a total time of six hours and seven minutes, raising a further £3,306 for Kicks Count through generous donations from friends and family.

Gemma said: "A huge thank you to everyone that has donated - it will make a big difference to the charity and help it to continue raising awareness of the importance of monitoring baby’s movements.

"Honourable mentions to Andy James, Perry Carpenter and Steve Goss who generously gave up their time to run with Matt at different stages.

"Perry and Andy joined him at the start and between Andy’s constant chat and Perry’s old gags, the first-half sailed by.

"Things got tough with 12 miles to go and the Goss train was there to steady the ship with a fantastic selection of pick-n-mix, expertly hidden behind a bush off the A377."

Finally, Gemma did a wonderful job in getting Matt through the final few miles and across the finish line. All in memory of their beloved daughter, Lily.

If you would like to make a donation, Matt’s Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-trenaman1 .