Marathon effort by Suffolk duo
Despite having never been keen runners, two Suffolk men have signed up for the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon to help raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
Network planning technician Dan Dobson and health safety and sustainability advisor Aaron Eaton from EDF Energy Networks will be spending this summer running along the country lanes of Suffolk ahead of pounding the streets of Birmingham on October 24.
They will be raising funds for the MS Society which is an especially poignant cause for Dan, whose sister Katie was diagnosed with the illness in 2006.
Dan, 31, from Benton Street, Hadleigh (in Suffolk), said: “I saw an invitation to apply on our staff intranet and instantly thought it was not only a worthy challenge but a great opportunity to raise some much needed funds for the MS Society.
“Since Katie’s diagnosis it has always been an objective of mine to support the MS Society in some way. They offer those diagnosed with MS the foundation on which they can improve many aspects of their lives.
“I immediately contacted my colleague Aaron to see if he would run with me, to my surprise he said yes! It is fair to say our level of fitness is low but our spirit is high. Within minutes of reading the article we had applied and the challenge was underway.”
Aaron, 30, from East Row, Holbrook, said: “We have no experience or love of running, and currently our fitness may not be all we'd hope so this is a real challenge. Up until now I have only run if it's absolutely necessary in football to score a goal, while Dan, despite being a re-born cyclist, is hoping there'll be smoking points around the 13.1-mile course.”
Diana Gornall, head of community and events fundraising at the MS Society, said: “We are delighted that Dan and Aaron have dedicated their first run to the MS Society – I’m sure their energy and enthusiasm will see them through. We are really grateful to them and wish them good luck!”
The duo is hoping that colleagues both at their office in Colchester and further afield, will dig deep to support this worthwhile cause and to motivate them around the streets of Birmingham. If you’d also like to help, you can donate via their justgiving page at justgiving.com/Dan-and-Aaron-run-for-The-MS-Society.
