Brian's great north challenge
03.09.10
RUNNING a half marathon is a big enough effort for most people, but brave Brian Woodward has set himself an even tougher challenge by first walking 130 miles to the start line.
The 58-year-old wanted to push himself to the limit to help raise money for Meningitis UK in memory of his nephew Ethan Firman, who died at just 18-months-old in April 2008.
It's the equivalent of walking five marathons before running 13.1miles - all to be achieved in just 48 hours with barely any sleep.
Brian, from Wigan, has previously conquered the Great North Run, the Bath Half Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon but wanted to attempt something different to attract sponsorship.
His almighty challenge begins on September 16 in Wigan, before mainly following the A59 across the Yorkshire Dales and passing through Chorley, Blackburn, Clitheroe, Skipton, Leyburn, Richmond, Durham and Chester-Le-Street.
Brian, who will be collecting money en route, said: "I felt I had to do something really different to get people's attention.
"It's going to be tough going as each mile will take 15 minutes on average, so I'll need to be walking for over 30 hours.
"I've got a one-man tent but think I'll only manage a few hours sleep on Saturday night. I will definitely need a short rest before heading to the start line for the Great North Run.
"I'm looking forward to it but know it will be tough. I'll just think of Ethan every time I begin to struggle. Doing this is a small undertaking compared to what he went through and the grief suffered by his parents."
Brian hopes to raise £1,000 to add to the £23,000 raised for Meningitis UK in memory of the toddler.
Ethan passed away in his mother Clare's arms on April 13, just hours after showing signs of being unwell.
He died from the meningococcal septicaemia form of the disease, which occurs when bacteria enter the blood strain and multiply uncontrollably, poisoning the blood and completely overwhelming the immune system damaging the blood vessels, tissues and organs.
Money raised in his memory will go towards Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign. It aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against Meningitis B - the most common form of meningitis in the UK and the strain which killed Ethan.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "For Brian to walk 130 miles in just 48 hours is amazing enough but to then run the Great North Run is really remarkable.
"We wish him every success and hope people will be generous in their support and sponsorship.
"Every penny raised will go towards our single focus - to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis. Every bit of help is so important in enabling us to continue our vital work.
"Our ultimate goal is to spare people the heartache thousands of families have suffered by losing a loved one to meningitis."
To sponsor Brian, visit www.justgiving.com/wigan-to-gateshead or for more information on meningitis call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisuk.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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