Why it matters: The Treehouse, run by East Anglia's Children's Hospices, provides care and support to children and families across the region. From medical nursing care to events, band practice sessions and sibling days during school holidays, like most hospices, EACH relies on fundraising to continue its work.
The details: The 26-year-old Chantry High School teacher has dubbed the challenge 'Project 200', leaving Brighton at 6am on Friday, 29 May and running through the night to arrive back in Ipswich at midday the following day. Olly is taking on this challenge all in support of EACH, where his fiancée Holly Fuller works as a nurse at The Treehouse.
What he's saying: "Although I'm sure a few nerves will kick in nearer the time, I'm mainly excited at the moment and can't wait to get started," said Olly. "I feel positive and have confidence in my ability from a physical perspective. By hook or by crook, my legs will get me there."
"The bigger test is going to be mentally and psychologically, when the demons kick in during the small, dark hours of the night. That's when I'm going to have to dig deep."
His motivation, he says, goes beyond the personal challenge. "When I tell people my fiancée works at a children's hospice, I know their first thought is death and dying. The Treehouse is about so much more than that, though. The staff go above and beyond to provide the best-possible care and support to children and families, and it's an amazing place that deserves our full support."
The route: After leaving Brighton, Olly will run through Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Crawley before passing through London and heading north via Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester and Manningtree before reaching Ipswich.
The bigger picture: Olly only took up running at the age of 20 and has been using the Brighton Marathon as a warm-up for the main event. He is also planning a fundraising evening with a raffle and auction around Easter.
As well as raising funds, Olly hopes the challenge will inspire his students. "People have thanked me when I tell them what I'm planning, but I always say it's not me they need to thank - it's the people who work and volunteer for EACH."
The bottom line: Olly's 200-kilometre overnight run is a remarkable testament to what dedication and love can motivate, and a reminder of the work carried out every day at The Treehouse.
