A Willaston dad has completed a gruelling 10 marathons in 10 days – to raise money for blood cancer charity.
Big-hearted Paul Dean took on the challenge in memory of his dad and two friends who all died from blood cancer illnesses.
And the 37-year-old finished the final 26-mile leg of his cross country run when he arrived in Llandudno in glorious sunshine on Sunday night (June 3).
Paul started his coast-to-coast 262-mile challenge in Skegness by the North Sea on Friday May 25.
He ran across the country through Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Flintshire, Denbighshire and finished in north Wales by the Irish Sea.
Paul raised several thousand pounds for blood cancer charity Bloodwise https://bloodwise.org.uk, running in memory of his father, David, and two friends Mark and Will.
Bloodwise fund world-class research into all types of blood cancer and provide information and support to those affected.
Paul said: “I’m pleased and very much relieved to have completed the challenge.
“Ever since my first attempt three years ago it’s been bugging me that I wasn’t able to finish last time.
“I’ve been quite worried that I might get injured again.
“As it happens I did suffer a couple of minor injuries but nothing too serious.
“With two days to go my ankle swelled up (exactly as it did last time), but as I was close to the end I was able to hobble the last few miles.
“I think if there had been an extra marathon to run after Sunday I wouldn’t have been able to do it!
“I’m really grateful to everybody who has encouraged and helped throughout the build-up and during the event itself.
“Several people came to see me en route and a few ran with me – that certainly helped my morale.
“The miles seemed to pass quicker when I had company.
“Special mention must go to my wife Stephanie who was there every step of the way. The event would have been impossible without her.”
Paul’s JustGiving page has now reached just under £4,000 and is still open for further pledges.
Liz Boffey, from Bloodwise (South Cheshire), said: “Bloodwise South Cheshire are indebted to Paul for this fantastic achievement and raising awareness for all blood cancers.
“It really has been an amazing challenge and every penny raised goes directly into research of all blood cancers.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all Bloodwise Branches for supporting Paul throughout. Well done Paul!”
To add to Paul’s fundraising total please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningpeeps3
(Words by Jonathan White, pics courtesy of Paul Dean and Liz Boffey)
What a legend! Well done Paul. Local lad done good.