James McClean completes Navy Seal's 48 hour running challenge in memory of popular football coach who died suddenly

The idea began as a way to beat the monotony of his lockdown training routine before McClean decided to dedicate his endurance challenge to the memory of Trojans Football Club coach, Thomas Burke who died suddenly last month.

Donating £10 for every mile run, McClean raised a total of £520 for his outstanding effort of 52 miles over the two day, 12 session test which began at 6p.m. last Friday.

Finding the midnight runs 'tough' on the mind and body, the sleep deprived winger decided to donate to a 'worthy cause' to provide motivation when his muscles began to ache.

And after a conversation with the late Thomas' wife, Bronagh, they decided to use the money to purchase a new football kit for the popular Trojans coach's under-5 team.

Explaining the reasons for his challenge which was popularised by American fitness guru and retired Navy Seal, David Goggins, McClean said he was never going to quit once he made the promise to raise funds for the Burke family.

The Derry man posted on Instagram: "Half 6 pm Friday night I was going to give this challenge a go. Been training flat out like a madman pushing myself and testing myself since lockdown. To be honest I was starting to lack motivation doing basically same stuff each day with basically no end goal in sight, then I saw this and thought it would motivate me . . it has! [

"I started out as just that motivation for me, nothing more and not going to lie it was tough, running alone just you and your thoughts, midnight runs, getting up at 4a.m. and again at 8am when your body is tired, legs are sore, midnight and 4a.m are f****g cold trust me [sic].

"As it was getting tough. I thought you know what to be honest I was never quitting once I started, it's not me but to make certain I said finish this and donate to a worthy cause, so I said I'll donate £10 for every mile - 52 miles £520. [sic].

"I couldn't think of a better stronger person at the minute than Bronagh Burke and her wains giving in the past five years what they had to endure, so after speaking with her she came up with the brilliant idea of donating towards a new set of kits to Trojans U5s team . . . coach Burkey's team and I couldn't think of a better cause. "[sic].