Plymouth runner’s 450km Christmas challenge raises gifts for Salvation Army

published on 15 Dec 2025

For most, December is a time for Advent calendars, mince pies, and festive cheer. For 19-year-old Aidan Watts of Plymouth, it’s a daily battle against fatigue, aching legs, and the driving rain as he runs an extraordinary distance to ensure others can experience the joy of Christmas. 

Aidan’s challenge is not for the faint-hearted. On 1st December, he started running 1.5km. Each day, he adds another 1.5km to the total culminating in a final 36km run on Christmas Eve. By then he will have covered a staggering 450km – the equivalent of running from Plymouth to Birmingham. But his true finish line isn’t measured in kilometres; it’s measured in smiles on Christmas morning. 

He is running to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal at its church and community centre on Balfour Terrace in Devonport. The appeal collects new toys and gifts for children in families struggling to make ends meet, a need the church fears will be greater than ever this year. 

“Christmas can be a joyful time — but for countless families, children, and individuals, it is a season of loneliness, financial stress, hunger, and worry. I want to use this challenge to help change that,” 
said Aidan.

Originally aiming to raise £300, the community’s response has been overwhelming. Just nine days into his challenge, donations on his JustGiving page have soared past £650. Emboldened by this support, Aidan has now set a new, ambitious target of £1,500. To support Aidan’s challenge visit his JustGiving page: Aidan Watts is fundraising for The Salvation Army. 

“Christmas time is my favourite time of year.  I wanted to do everything in my power to raise as much money to help those who dread the thought of Christmas.” 

Plymouth Fundraising
By the end of the challenge, Aidan would have covered a staggering 450km – the equivalent of running from Plymouth to Birmingham.

Aidan’s physical effort is a conscious echo of the unseen struggles many face. The physical toll of the challenge is immense. On day 11, halfway through a 16.5km run with legs numb from fatigue, he found his motivation in the very people he’s running for.  

“What I kept saying in my head is that ‘this is nothing compared to how many other people feel this time of year’. The whole goal is to try and replicate, to the best of my ability, the pain and struggle people have no choice but to endure.” 

Aidan, overwhelmed by the tremendous support that silenced his early doubts, now encourages others to join the collective effort: "This isn't about one achievement, but about all of us coming together to make a real difference for those in need." 

“We are in awe of Aidan’s incredible commitment. His dedication is not only raising vital funds but also powerfully highlighting the hidden hardship in our community at Christmas. Every pound he raises will help us put a gift under the tree for a child and bring hope to a family facing a difficult winter.”
said Captain Andy Toby who leads The Salvation Army in Devonport Morice.

Those who want to donate toys can do so at the following drop off points: 

  • The Salvation Army in Whitleigh, Lancaster Gardens, Plymouth, PL5 4AA (call 07831 156368 to arrange drop off) 

  • Four Greens Community Wellbeing Hub, 15 Whitleigh Green, Plymouth PL5 4DD  

  • The Salvation Army in Devonport Morice Town, Balfour Terrace, Plymouth, PL2 1RS (01752 563896 to arrange drop off) 

The Salvation Army in Devonport provides year-round community support including a food pantry, family and youth work, and emergency assistance. At Christmas, this expands to include present appeals and festive meals for those in need. To learn more about their work and donate to support them, visit their website: Devonport Morice Town Church and Community Centre | The Salvation Army.