A CANCER survivor has hailed the support of a city running club after he ran 24 hours non-stop around Worcester for charity.
Andrew Graham from St John’s clocked up 108 miles during the run which he started at 5pm last Friday (March 20) and finished at 5pm the next day.
The challenge also saw the 51-year-old, who was diagnosed with throat and mouth cancer in 2002, raise 1,400 for the Worldwide Cancer Research. But Mr Graham said he could not have done it without the support of Black Pear Joggers.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day,” he said. “I was supported throughout by Black Pears Joggers. They took it in turns to run with me and also provided refreshments and changing facilities.
“They even gave me a calf massage when I got a bit of cramp on Rainbow Hill. They were absolutely fantastic.”
The father of two said he was determined to break the 100mile barrier, but he admitted there were a number of challenges he had to overcome to achieve that feat.
“I was surprised at myself that I did not have one moment where I wanted to pack it in,” he said. “Carrington Bridge and going down Bath Road was painful, but Rainbow Hill was a real challenge everytime.
“But it was well worth it.
“I posted an update and one person who is suffering from breast cancer read it and said it inspired her to put her trainers on and go out for a run.
“There were two other people, who said they had close relatives suffering with breast cancer and said that my story made them feel so much better because I am a cancer survivor and those three people’s comments probably made it more worthwhile than the money.”
Mr Graham said he had now set his sights on completing further charity events this year, including next month’s London Marathon and the 10peaks challenge in September.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/a-graham63/
