Teacher runs for his life

JIM WALTON, a thirty-two year old teacher at Cheltenham College Junior School, has set himself the challenge of a lifetime. In an attempt to raise over £5,000 for The Stroke Association, Jim will run more than forty miles a day for twenty-three days, from John O' Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall.

Setting off on July 13th, Jim will run the equivalent of approximately eleven marathons a week for stroke research. Every five minutes, someone, somewhere suffers a stroke. In fact, stroke is the biggest cause of severe disability in England and Wales and the third commonest cause of death.

Jim has put in hours of training over the past twelve months, running up to 150 miles a week as well as eating lots of vegetables and cod liver oil! Speaking about his forthcoming challenge Jim Walton says: "It has been a lifelong ambition to run solo from John O' Groats to Land's End and by doing this race I have the opportunity to combine doing something for myself with giving something back to charity. The route will follow
B-roads, canal tow paths and, national walks and, at times, I am sure it will get very tough, particularly when I run the fifty miles across the Cairngorns where the support vehicle won't have any access! Even still, I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Eight years ago Jim completed a similar challenge by walking the same distance in forty-two days. This year however, he is in more of a hurry as he has to be in Devon for August 10th as he is due to marry to his colleague and financee Melanie Williams! Melanie will also be supporting Jim on the 1,000 mile route by driving his support vehicle which will be 'leap frogging' him along the route.

John Williams, Regional Fundraising Manager for The Stroke Association says; "We are all supporting Jim will his tremendous effort and really appreciate his support for the Association. If anyone would like to run alongside Jim as he goes through towns on his journey, please contact me at The Stroke Association. Such support will really encourage Jim and help him on his way!"

Jim Walton is currently looking for sponsorship from local companies to raise funds for the support vehicle and video equipment. Sponsors will have branding opportunities on the web site, associated vehicles and kit worn by runners. Information about Jim's challenge will be regularly updated on the web site www.run4yourlife.co.uk You can also log on to the site to sponsor Jim or telephone John Williams at The Stroke Association on 01392 447363.

Ends

Notes to editor

· When a stroke occurs, part of the brain is suddenly severely damaged or destroyed. It takes place either when a blood clot forms in a damaged vessel and blocks the flow of blood to the brain, or, when a damaged vessel in the brain bursts.
· Every year 10,000 people under the age of 55 have a stroke.
· Stroke is the single biggest cause of serious disability with a total of 300,000 people affected at any one time.

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