A POSTMAN heralded as a “superhero” for his daring charity challenges has received the backing of local businesses as he prepares to conquer Sion Hill.

Starting at 6am this Saturday (July 11), Kidderminster postie Shaun Marshall will run up and down the infamous hill for 12 hours in a bid to raise funds for KEMP Hospice.

After hearing about the ex-Marine’s latest endurance challenge, Bepco agreed to match funding donations up to £200 to help him hit his overall target of £1,800.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shaun will attempt to run up and down Sion Hill in Kidderminster for 12 hours straight. Photo from Google MapsShaun will attempt to run up and down Sion Hill in Kidderminster for 12 hours straight. Photo from Google Maps

It means that for every £1 that is donated by its staff, the Hartlebury-based agricultural machinery manufacturer will match it.

“What Shaun is attempting is astonishing,” said Ed Nash, marketing manager at Bepco. “If he was doing it for three or four hours, I would say that’s impossible but the fact he is doing it for 12 is something else.

“Being a local resident to Sion Hill, I can appreciate how difficult that will be for that length of time.

“We are match funding donations from staff, so we are hoping to raise at least £400.

“A number of our staff have got an emotional connection with the charity as a result of the care that family members have received.

“Now we have cemented ourselves within the Wyre Forest region, we want to support charities such as KEMP.”

Hewett Recruitment is supporting Shaun’s efforts in aid of its 40@40 Challenge, which bids to mark the company’s 40th anniversary by raising £40,000 for local charities.

The firm will be match funding donations up to £100 for KEMP, while Stourport-based Rotary Creative Group is producing flyers and t-shirts to promote Shaun’s upcoming challenge.

“We always support everything Shaun does, as his wife Lisa works on our team, but this one is extra special,” said Verity Hudson, strategic marketing executive at Hewett Recruitment. “I always call him a superhero as it’s incredible what he does for charity.

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“Running up and down Sion hill run for 12 hours non-stop is ridiculous, but for all the right reasons!

“We’re so proud to be supporting him.”

Shaun has been overwhelmed by the support he has received so far and is confident about completing his Hell on Sion Hill 12-hour Challenge.

“For companies like Bepco and Hewett Recruitment to get involved is brilliant,” Shaun said. “I’m a little bit gobsmacked by it all as I’m just an ordinary bloke running up and down a hill!

“It will be a challenge, but you just need to get yourself into the right frame of mind and get on with it.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-marshall14.