London Marathon runner: 'I knew I had to do something special...'
The Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 takes place on Sunday 24 April, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) will be well represented by participants fundraising on our behalf.
Nearly 30 hardy and brave individuals will be pounding the streets of England’s capital, raising money for our national charity, which exists to make active lives possible.
One such runner is Phil Williams, a 46-year-old NHS consultant from Nottingham.
A passionate runner and an enthusiast of ‘survival of the fittest’ obstacle course races, Phil is competing as part of his Foolish April, which sees him complete in four marathons over four consecutive weekends.
“My so-called Foolish April all started after a conversation last August with Barry Horne, Chief Executive of EFDS,” said Phil.
“Barry knew I’d run marathons before. He asked if I had anything planned for 2016, and I didn’t. I said I’d always wanted to run the London Marathon but had never got in via the usual ballot process. EFDS offered me one of their charity places after I said I was prepared to raise money.”
London Marathon timelapse video
It is always tough competition to secure a starting place in the country’s most renowned Marathon, but if you are looking for a meaningful charity to fundraise for, EFDS always welcomes applicants.
London comes after races at three other major marathons, as Phil explained:
“My brother-in-law also wanted to do a marathon, and we both had the idea of Paris. It’s scheduled not that far from London, and I just thought that if I can run one race I could probably manage two.
“Then my brother-in-law had to pull out but suggested the Manchester Marathon, also in April! That left one April weekend free, the Brighton Marathon happened to be on then and I entered that.
“So it will be four marathons on four consecutive weekends, to hopefully raise as much money as I can.”
For a man whose career linked to healthcare has spanned many years, fundraising on behalf of EFDS was a no-brainer.
“I have met and worked with so many disabled people, running for EFDS just seems the perfect fit.
“In my job I am a private consultant for the NHS. I have worked in hospitals like Birmingham, working alongside serviceman who have returned from places like Afghanistan. These were fit young men, in their prime of physical fitness, who had experienced the trauma of a major injury. Their Forces mentality is such that they still want to keep fit and keep on going.
"It makes such sense to fundraise for EFDS"
“Another individual, a friend of mine, is now paralysed having jumped into a swimming pool. But he’s probably more outgoing now that he was when he was non-disabled. It’s humbling.
“Having worked with and known these people, it makes such sense to fundraise for EFDS.”
Fundraising for such a challenge can be difficult when so many other runners are asking for donations. But Phil knows that a concept like Foolish April will attract attention. He hopes to raise £1,300, but is keen to raise more with public backing.
“With many people doing marathons and trying to raise money it becomes harder to find people willing to sponsor you. So I knew I had to do something special, and this idea will make me stand out. Now I’m fundraising and have been doing so for a fortnight.”
We wish Phil much success with his four marathons in four consecutive weekends, and thank him and the 26 other individuals who are raising funds for EFDS by participating in the London Marathon.
