Brave Peter Snell is to tackle the London Marathon on crutches after breaking his ankle during a warm-up race in preparation for the big event.
The 22-year-old, from Luker Avenue, Henley, thought his dream of running the marathon was over. But doctors gave him the all-clear to hobble round the 26 mile course on crutches so that he does not disappoint the many backers who have sponsored him to run for CRY – a charity seeking to raise awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome.
Running the London Marathon is not easy for the fittest of athletes – but it is even more of a challenge to try and struggle round the 26-mile course on crutches.
Peter and running partner Adam Treacher from Pishill had been training since last September to run the April 23rd marathon. But two weeks ago, Peter broke his ankle in a cross-country event – meaning his leg will be in plaster for around six weeks and that he won't be able to run for some time after that.
The two runners entered the marathon to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) – a charity seeking to raise awareness of sudden death syndrome where heart irregularities can cause young people to die with little or no warning.
Sir Steve Redgrave is one of the charity's patrons, and Peter and Adam had planned to run in heart-shaped costumes similar to the charity's logo.
Peter said: "When I broke my ankle I was devastated as I thought everything had gone to waste. I wanted to raise as much money as possible because my uncle died of sudden death syndrome and, as it is hereditary, my whole family has had to be tested."
When Bill Gulliver, a blind runner from Caversham who Peter runs with every Wednesday, heard about his injury, he contacted the organisers of the marathon on his behalf, and they told Peter he could still take part in the race.
Peter added: "There are people that have already given me money, and I don't want to let them down, so I will get round that 26 miles. While I want to finish the course, it is more important to me that I raise as much money as I can and that more people become aware of sudden death syndrome."
If you are interested in sponsoring Peter, telephone (01491) 573681, or visit
http://www.save-young-hearts.org or
