Earls Colne pals in 48-mile running challenge to raise cash

Jack Preston and Taylor Nicholson, from Earls Colne, are undertaking the challenge to run 48 miles in 48 hours until Friday at 6pm.

The pair, 22, have been inseparable friends since they were born, with both going to Earls Colne Primary School and the Ramsey Academy in Halstead.

Since flying the nest, Jack has started his own plumbing business and recently finished Royal Marine training.

Meanwhile, Taylor works as an electrician in the village.

Now both are looking to raise cash for charities in honour of their role model grandads.

Jack is raising cash for the British Heart Foundation in the memory of William Knapp.

While not blood-related, became Jack incredibly close to ‘Grandad Knapp’ who died at the age of 98 in January.

Jack has already smashed his £500 target with £775 in donations so far.

Taylor hopes to raise £1,500 for St Helena Hospice, which helped look after his grandad, Lawerence Nicholson, before he died.

Taylor has raised £800 so far.

For the 48-hour trek, both lads are running laps of the village side by side.

Jack said: “Grandad Knapp was a massive part of my life growing up.

“I’m running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation as this was the charity he would want it for.

“This helps myself getting through the run knowing he would want it.

“Everyone so far has supported us in what we are doing, and we hope to get a good amount of people on Friday to support us as we come in.”

Taylor added: “The challenge is physically challenging although mentally very tough.

“Luckily having my best pal next to me so we can motivate each other.”

After finishing, the pair will be heading to the Lion pub in the village for a well-earned pint.

They added: “We have supported each other in good and bad times. We both are doing it to show once you have a certain mindset you can do anything you put your mind to.

“We have had highs and lows as friends but we never leave each other as we are more than friends - we are brothers.”