Publish date: 19 August 2026
Congratulations to Jon Villaggio, Plaster Technician at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, who has successfully completed the Lakeland 100 challenge and raised more than £2,000 for Blue Skies.
Jon crossed the finish line at 8:52am on Sunday 26 July, completing the gruelling 105-mile route around the Lake District in 38 hours and 52 minutes.
The Lakeland 100 is one of the UK's toughest ultra-endurance events, covering challenging mountain terrain, overnight running, steep climbs and descents, and often difficult weather conditions.
The journey was far from straightforward. Jon battled injury, rain, fog, and fatigue throughout the race, while also overcoming some emotional moments during the overnight sections.
Reflecting on the event, Jon said: "I loved it, hated it, loved it".
A highlight came 56 miles into the race when he reached his drop bag station and spotted his family waiting for him. He added: "After leaving my family, I got a second wind".
The money Jon has raised will help Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, the Trust's official charity, continue to provide projects, equipment and enhancements that go above and beyond NHS funding for patients, families, and colleagues across Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
Thank you to Appletree Finance, who contributed £500 towards the equipment Jon needed and supported him throughout the event.
The Trust and Blue Skies would like to say a huge well done and thank you to Jon for taking on such an incredible challenge and helping to make a difference across our Trust.
If you'd like to congratulate Jon or support his fundraising, you can still donate here.
Congratulations, Jon. We're all incredibly proud of you!
