Fun day planned as dad-of-two to use home of Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors to highlight food allergies cause

Matt Bacon will run 196 laps of the stadium in his hometown - over 70 miles in total – this Sunday, September 21, for the second year of his ‘14 for 14 Challenge’ in aid of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.

Each set of 14 laps symbolises one of the top 14 food allergens, bringing awareness to the challenges faced by those living with food allergies, including his seven-year-old daughter Savannah.

And the day has been extended from 10am-4pm, with lots planned to keep the whole family entertained including a free kids craft station, stalls, face painting, fair ground games, tombola, raffles, a ‘guess the teddy’s name’ and a bake sale.

Whelan’s Bar will also be open from 3pm serving pizza, alcohol and soft drinks.

Matt and his wife, Sarah, want more people to understand the daily reality and challenges of living with severe food allergies.

Their daughter Savannah is allergic to milk, wheat, eggs, nuts, mustard and sesame, and has had multiple hospital visits due to severe allergic reactions triggered by food.

Matt and Sarah were inspired to create the 14 for 14 Challenge in 2024 to support the charity’s mission to make allergy history and shine a spotlight on the food allergy community.

Last year, Matt ran an incredible 14 miles for 14 consecutive days and raised over £2,000, and this year he hopes to raise more.

Reflecting on this year’s challenge, Matt said: “The furthest I’ve ever run in one go is 26.2 miles, so this year’s challenge will be a huge step up in distance and will take every bit of determination to get over the line. I’ll be doing this for all people affected by food allergies and will push through for them.

“The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is a brilliant charity that is doing vital work to create a safer world for children like my daughter, Savannah. The support they show to families who are going through daily struggles is unbelievable.”