A cricket coach from Warsash is running the 2013 London Marathon for charity – after being inspired by his father whose own attempt last year ended in injury.
James Hughes, 19, who is the South East Hampshire Cricket Association U14 coach and a Sport Coaching student at Southampton Solent University, was inspired to take on the challenge by his dad Bob.
James Hughes
“I watched last year’s London Marathon and was inspired by many of the runners, including my dad,” said James.
“It was his determination to run from mile seven to mile 13 on a fractured ankle that made me think I needed to finish this race.
“When the training starts to hurt, it’s this thought of ‘how did he do that?’ that keeps me going. After all, the mind will give up 100 times before the body does.
“I’m running for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to many of us, and who did a great job caring for my granddad in his final weeks on earth.
“I really appreciate every donation and to know people are supporting you makes all the training worthwhile. It’s not my first sport and there are many, many miles to put in before London on April 21.”
Bob, 50, who has completed the Snowdon Marathon twice, added: “I’m very proud of him and his determination to finish a race I started but was forced to pull out of. We did the Great South Run together recently and the Portsmouth Half Marathon is next on February 17.”
If any businesses, organisations or individuals in the Western Wards would like to sponsor James visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesHughes93.