Training continues for big donor challenge
(Left) Phil Jackson and (right) Stuart Vince will run 11 marathons in 11 days from Portsmouth to Land's End, before rowing back to Gunwharf Quays. (centre) Michael Paxman (19) received a donor kindney from Stuart Vince Picture: Allan Hutchings (120178-195)
TWO firefighters are not letting the cold snap get in their way as they continue pounding the streets in training for a fundrasing event.
Crew manager Stuart Vince, who works as a watch manager in Eastleigh and firefighter Phil Jackson of Cosham blue watch, will be running from Portsmouth’s Queen Alexandra Hospital to Land’s End.
Their hard work is going towards a huge physical challenge to encourage more people to become organ donors and raise money for two hospitals.
Each day the pair will be averaging 26 miles for the marathon challenge, which is due to start on May 20.
Firefighter Philip said: ‘I’m enjoying running every other day.
‘Even though it’s been cold we’ve still been getting out there running.
‘I went to see my mum in Devon, and even then I ran from Torquay to Brixham.
‘It’s starting to get easier – what we’re doing is trying to run as much as we can and do shorter distances and build it up.’
The challenge has been inspired by Stuart after he donated one of his kidneys to family friend Michael Paxman.
The 19-year-old was over the moon when Stuart was found to be a match.
Michael will be running the first stretch between Portsmouth and Southampton with the firefighters.
After reaching Land’s End the firefighters will spend six days rowing from Penzance back to Gunwharf Quays.
A target of raising £20,000, which will be split between QA and Southampton General Hospital, has also been set.
For more information, or to donate money to the firefighters’ cause, visit thebigdonorchallenge.co.uk.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.