Bishop’s Cleeve midfielder Freddy Ward set himself the challenge of running 10 miles every day throughout February and he smashed his target by 40 miles.
He is now hoping to raise further funds for Sue Ryder charity, with his total approaching £2,500.
Former Slimbridge player and manager Ward was joined on his routes around Gloucester by a selection of former team mates, including Henry Birkett, Adam Mace, Paul Fahy, Jack Twyman, Jack Watts, Paul Holmes and Kieran Squires.
Physio Tim Grigg also accompanied him as he clocked up the miles, as did Forest Green Rovers club secretary James Mooney.
“The idea came partly from thinking how to pass time during lockdown,” Ward said.
“But it was also about trying to get people out exercising for a good cause and with 28 days in February it was an ideal scenario to plan something.”
Ward is known for his running ability and regularly covers 30 miles a week as a matter of course, but he said stepping up to 70 miles a week was a daunting task.
“Even 30 miles is a fair whack,” he said.
“It was tough, I won’t lie, trying to fit it in around full time work from 9-6.
“I often tried to do a few miles before work and then finished it afterwards, but it didn’t always go to plan so more often than not the full 10 miles slog was in the evening.
“The weather wasn’t great for the first couple of weeks, with freezing temperatures, but it warmed up a bit towards the end and it was ideal for running.
“The hardest part is getting out when you don’t feel like it and some days motivation was zero, but as I was doing it for charity I know I had no excuses.”
You can donate by clicking this link.
Ward’s original fundraising aim was £1,000 and he has already more than doubled that.
Credit: Source link
