Joe's marathon effort for Meadow House
A shared love of running seemed a fitting way for Joe Derrett to pay tribute to late friend Paul Woodgate who passed away from cancer at Meadow House Hospice in Ealing.
The media manager will be raising money for the hospice by running the corresponding number of miles for each day of the month clocking up a whopping 465 miles by June 30.
He is confident he will reach the target with the aid of friends running alongside him as well as the odd ice bath for when the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
“Paul was never someone who did things by half so I think he would approve,” said Joe whose daily runs will include visiting every Premiership League ground in the capital in remembrance of his football mad friend.
“I think we were all impressed with the care Paul received at Meadow House in his final weeks. Everyone was very kind and I wanted to show my thanks by raising money for the hospice.”
Joe’s inspiration came from an article he read by self-confessed ‘running geek’ Des Linden who ran a mile for each calendar date throughout October which she coined 'Destober.'
He has the added challenge of being diabetic but shrugs it off saying a pre-run banana and cup of coffee are enough to keep the tank full.
“The first week’s been easy but it’s going to get progressively tougher with me running back-to-back marathons and longer during the final week. I’ve run a few marathons so know what to expect.”
A bigger preoccupation seems to have been working out how to fit his runs around the upcoming European Football Championships.
“I’m sure Paul would share my concern and I will certainly be raising a pint to him when England play.”
Like to sponsor Joe’s run? Go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/465forpaul