IT was more than a marathon effort for a daughter who clocked up 40 miles each day for 40 days in memory of her father, who died of coronavirus.

Tributes poured in for John Shallcross OBE, who founded Patterson Ryan wire workers in Wallsend close to 20 years ago, after he died at the end of March after contracting Covid-19.

Following his death, his daughter, Jo Shallcross, was inspired to take on a remarkable challenge in her father’s memory, which would see her run, walk, or cycle 40 miles a day for 40 days.

Jo, who lives in Ponteland, took on the challenge to raise money for NE Youth, a charity her father had supported for more than 40 years.

She aimed to raise £500 – but she well and truly smashed that target, with the total figure now standing at £20,219.

Jo was blown away with the huge figure.

She said: “Losing Dad to Covid-19 seemed cruel and unfair. I’m just pleased I have been able to take this negative experience make something positive happen by raising money for a charity that meant so much to Dad.

“I have been blown away by how many people actually joined in, my Facebook and messages were full of people doing challenges, it really was such a great end to the challenge honouring my Dad. I know he would have been really proud.”

Jon Niblo, chief executive of NE Youth, added: “We are all incredibly proud of Jo and what she has achieved during this difficult period. We cannot thank her enough for taking on this challenge. The money raised will go directly towards supporting out Healthy and Happy programme with young people.”

Donations can be made to Jo’s campaign at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/joshallcross