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Having raised more than £15,000 completing the London Marathon, Guernseyman David Rowlinson, his daughter Jenny, and her partner Jonny will be taking on the Butterfield Half.
David has Inclusion Body Myositis, a progressive autoimmune disease for which there is no known cause or cure.
Affecting some 6,000 people in the UK, the disease causes chronic inflammation and wastage of the muscles.
After talking to his family about what they could do to raise funds, they decided to enter the London Marathon, with Jenny and Jonny pushing David around the 26.2 mile course in a running wheelchair.
“London was amazing, the experience is really hard to put into words. We had so much support from family and friends before and after and the atmosphere on the day was incredible. We hoped to reach our target of £3,000 but ended up raising more than £15,000 for Myositis UK,” said David.
Pictured: Jonny Reardon and Jenny Rowlinson, with her father David, during the London Marathon earlier this year.
“We always planned to do the Guernsey Half and raise money for local charities before we gifted the chair, which was so generously sponsored by Ravenscroft, to the island. With a month to go, we’re looking forward to running a very familiar route and raising money for two local charities who have helped me since my diagnosis.
“We’re also thrilled that Ravenscroft is continuing its support with some of the team coming to run with us.”
All the money raised will be divided between Guernsey Neuro Concern and Paws For Support.
“They are fantastic charities who make a real difference to the people they help. Guernsey Neuro Concern helps islanders with neurological problems and who have little or no access to other charities for help and Paws For Support is a unique charity dedicated to using highly trained dogs as educational and therapeutic aids and assistance. We hope that Guernsey will come together and help us raise vital funds.”
Jenny and Jonny have continued to train since the marathon and are arranging for the specialised wheelchair to come to Guernsey in time for the race on Sunday 15 September.
“We are now liaising with Guernsey Athletics who will be taking on the wheelchair to enable other islanders with physical disabilities to enjoy the freedom of running. I’m grateful to the Guernsey Athletics team for all their help in enabling us to take part in the half marathon and to Ravenscroft for their unwavering and generous support,” said David.
Anyone wanting to donate can do so through Guernsey Giving HERE.
Entries for the Butterfield Half are still open HERE.
Guernsey Athletics is hosting a second free wheelchair racing training sessions at Footes Lane. Everyone is welcome this Friday 6 September.
To secure a spot email club@guernseyathletics.org.gg.
"Look out for our Guernsey flags"
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