Great Midlands Fun Run: 29 people treated by paramedics
“It was a ridiculous idea,” he said. “I regretted it after about two miles, by which point there wasn’t much I could do about it. It was harder than I thought it would be. It’s my third year and it’s getting harder.”
His heroics raised £150 for Cancer Research UK. “I used to smoke so I’ll probably need them one day,” he added.
Sun-baked sprinters were cooled down by onlookers who handed out icy drinks and turned on their garden hose pipes.
Managing director Chris Scott-Douglas, who dressed up as a Zulu in aid of the Rock of Joy Trust which helps children in Uganda, said the support was incredible.
“We’ve been cheered all the way round,” said the 42-year-old from Cannock.
Beth Hodgett was part of a 100-strong running team from Arthur Terry School, in Four Oaks, raising money for Acorns Hospice and a school in South Africa.
Beth, aged 18, said: “It was a lot of pain but it was worth it. If I’m feeling suicidal I’ll do it again next year.”
Father and son Nobby and George Brittain dressed as monks alongside Fun Run veteran David Lewis to raise £200 for Autism West Midlands. “I have an autistic son and it’s a great charity,” said Nobby, aged 52, of Sutton Coldfield.
Bank manager David, aged 48, added: “We’ve been doing it for over 20 years and we always dress up. Last year we were hippies, the year before that we were convicts. I’d say this is one of the best.”
Around 200 participants raised money for the John Taylor Hospice, in Erdington, including office worker Katherine Lewis, aged 36, of Sutton Coldfield.
“Despite the heat, I’ve really enjoyed it,” she said.
Volunteers from St Johns Ambulance helped treat those with injuries.
