Proud to run with Richard

Spa Striders members Julie Heaton, a 46-year-old mother of three from Bishops Tachbrook, was part of a ten strong team who ran with double leg amputee Richard Whitehead during the 27th marathon of his challenge staring in Solihull, running through Stratford and ending at Lower Compton farm in Upper Quinton last Wednesday.

The Richard Runs Britain challenge is raising money for Scope and Sarcoma UK, which are both charities close to Richard’s heart.

Mrs Heaton said: “After hearing about the challenge through the Spa Striders I instantly knew this was something I really wanted to be part of and even more when I realised his route would take him through Solihull and Stratford. After signing up for a place to run with him and donating to his chosen charities.

I met Richard 1,068 km into the run.

“He seemed surprisingly chirpy and ready to run although I later found out that he’d had to dig deep that morning to motivate himself to run yet another marathon after the strain of the previous 26 marathons were taking their toll.”

“We were all buzzing with a real sense of achievement and participation at the end and also awe in how then Richard continued to run a further 20 miles.”

The team also consisted of Richie Neville from the band 5ive, paralympic javelin thrower Scott Moorhouse, and Mikail Huggins, the guide runner for blind Paralympian Libby Clegg.

Richard started running from John O’ Groats on August 13 and will arrive at Land’s End on Monday.

For more information visit www.richardwhiteheadrunsbritain.com