John hopes to beat running record

Tuesday 24th April 2012

A runner who was left unable to walk seven years ago after an illness hopes to smash a world record for the most miles run in a week.

John Reynolds, 50, from Radstock, in Somerset, has shown inspirational determination to complete half marathons, marathons and ultra marathons since he underwent radiotherapy for a thyroid condition.

Back then it took him four hours to reach the end of his garden.

Now he hopes to complete 450 miles in under seven days to steal the record for most miles run in a week. The record currently stands at 408 miles.

He will also be raising funds and awareness for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), a charity he has a long association with, which provides hospice care to life-limited children and support for their families. He hopes to raise £50,000.

John said: "2012 is going to be a huge sporting year and seemed like the ideal time to take on my biggest challenge yet.

"As the countdown to the start of the challenge begins I am getting more and more excited. The strength and determination of the children and families supported by CHSW is my inspiration. I'm proud to be taking on this challenge in honour of them."

John, dubbed the Champion For Children runner and who will also carry the Olympic torch through Frome later this year, will set off from Radstock on May 1. His route will take him through Keynsham, Chew Valley, Bristol, Wells, Shepton Mallet and Bath. He will repeat the circuit continuously, taking only short breaks.

Since learning how to walk again and run, John has supported CHSW with 22 half marathons, four marathons, 24 ultra marathons of more than 54 miles and six extreme marathons of more than 100 miles.

Tamara Downes, CHSW community fundraiser, said: "We are all in awe of John's amazing resilience and determination. This is his biggest challenge to date and we're hoping as many people as possible can join us in cheering him on and helping him reach his target of raising £50,000 in his 50th year."

To support John, visit http://www.justgiving.com/championrun.

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