WIRRAL’S very own ‘running man’ is set to take on 31 marathons in 31 days throughout October as training for the 'toughest' footrace on earth.
John Hammond, from Oxton, is no stranger to epic running challenges and last year ran 10 marathons in 10 days supporting the charity CHIC, which offers support to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families.
More recently, John completed a 50 mile ‘Tower to Tower’ run raising £250 for nine-year-old Lucy Moroney who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Due to his significant fundraising he was picked as one of the four regional finalists in this year's Pride of Britain Awards for the Fundraiser of the Year category.
John being interviewed on Granada Reports ahead of Pride of Britain
Dubbed Forest Gump by friends, John will embark on his marathon mission on Sunday, October 1 with the BTR 10K tunnel run followed by a 20 miles run along Wirral’s coast.
He will be raising cash for local charity Scope, who provide support, information and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year.
They also aim to drive change across society so that disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else.
John said: “It works out a total of 812.2 miles that i’ll be looking to run over October as well as going to work each day.
“I have absolutely no idea if this is even going to be possible but I’ll give it a good go.
“This is all part of training and fundraising for my Sahara desert mission next April.
“Any help from anyone whether it be joining me for one miles, 26 miles or anything inbetween on any of the days or even making me a tea on any of the nights will be greatly appreciated.
“Just to make things a bit harder I’ll be not touching a drop of alcohol throughout October so no Guinness or red wine.
“Also no shaving for the month so going for the full Forest Gump.”
John will be taking the same route from 4pm every Monday to Wednesday and then an alternative one on Thursdays and Fridays.
On Saturdays John will take part in a park run from start and finish at 9am and he will join in on different races on a Sunday.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Hammo76
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