MINCHINHAMPTON para-athlete Jonathan Brough has already covered an amazing 250 miles of his latest fundraising run, raising over £1,300 for NHS charities.
And, for anyone who hasn’t already sponsored him, there’s still time to donate.
Jonathan - paralysed from the neck down following contracting meningitis over a decade ago – is taking part in the Great North Run Solo, a virtual running event initiated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jonathan is one of 20,000 runners who began the challenge on June 28 – but, for him, being permanently attached to a breathing machine means it’s even more of a challenge than for most.
He’s managed to do most of his miles out in his all-terrain chair, in and around his Minchinhampton home.
But when outdoors isn’t an option, he turns to his FES disability bike, which generates muscle-contracting pulses enabling Jonathan to ‘pedal’ his way towards his target.
Jonathan has until September 13 to complete the 300 miles he has set himself, which will earn him a Great Run gold medal.
More importantly, it will enable him to donate a much-needed boost to charities based around the NHS, which saved his life all those years ago.
“The NHS is crucial and everything about Covid-19 has highlighted just how much so,” he said. “Following news of the pandemic, I felt drawn to do something to help.
“I read about the Great Run Solo; when I saw how it was to raise funds for the NHS, I signed up straightaway.
“It’s an incredibly rewarding challenge, and to have received over £1,300 is mind-blowing.”
There’s still an opportunity to sponsor Jonathan at justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathan-brough6
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