Teacher is in training for marathon charity effort (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Teacher is in training for marathon charity effort
7:20pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News By Scott D'Arcy
Teacher Jim Towers
A TEACHER is set to run six half-marathons in six weeks in support of a six-year-old boy who is battling Cystic Fibrosis.
Jim Towers, who is a newly qualified teacher at Oakhurst Primary School, met Ben Fletcher’s family through his links with North Wilts Hockey Club and decided he wanted to take on a challenge to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
CF is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited diseases, affecting more than 9,000 youngsters. It clogs the vital organs with a thick sticky mucus, and there is currently no cure.
A keen runner, Jim took up training a year ago and has completed two half-marathons for two separate children’s charities, raising more than £1,000 in total.
But now he has stepped it up a gear after meeting Ben, who he said is an inspirational character.
“I think Ben is one of the most courageous human beings I have ever met,” said the 27-year-old.
“He regularly goes through treatment that you or I could only imagine and puts such a brave face on.
“I met his mum Sian through hockey and they are just a lovely family so I wanted to do something a little bit ridiculous to raise money for charity in support of them.
“I thought what is a sensible number to go for and six seemed to make sense as Ben was six in December and I wear number six for the hockey club.
“I only started running half-marathons when a friend asked me to join him and it went well. I ran the Swindon one in October in just under two hours and I’ve been training but it will be hard work.
“I’ve managed to raise more than £1,000 but this time I’ve gone big and set myself a target of £2,500. If I can raise £500 for doing one then that should be acheivable for doing six.”
The six marathons Jim will be running are:
- Tunbridge Wells – February 24
- Bath – March 3
- Milton Keynes – March 10
- Reading – March 17 l Hastings – March 24
- Northampton – March 31
To sponsor Jim in his endeavour visit www.justgiving.com/DoItForBen.
