Bromsgrove runner's marathon challenge reaches last leg (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove runner's marathon challenge reaches last leg

12:10pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

AN Aston Fields resident is preparing for the final leg of his charity challenge to complete seven half marathons in just seven months.

Liam Barnes began his fund-raising challenge last April, when he participated in the Shakespeare Marathon.

Since then the Carlyle Road resident has taken part in the Black Country Marathon, the Wolverhampton City Marathon, the Great North Run, the Malmesbury Half Marathon and the Robin Hood Marathon.

Liam is now preparing for his final running challenge, the Bupa Great Birmingham Run, this Sunday, October 21.

The fund-raiser is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, which funds research into muscle-wasting conditions and campaigns to raise awareness.

Liam says he was inspired to do the challenge for the charity after meeting Bournville girl Abbi Bennett, who has the life-limiting condition.

He said: “I have been lucky enough to meet Abbi, who is bright, bubbly, brave and everything you would expect from a typical four-year-old girl despite the challenges that she faces.

“There is hope, through the campaign, for revolutionary treatment that may go some way of helping Abbi and fellow children, reduce the impact of this condition.”

Liam said one of the hardest parts of the challenge was completing four of the half marathons in four weeks, but he was driven on by the need to raise money for the charity.

So far Liam has raised £1,000, smashing his original £500 target, but he hopes to raise even more.

To donate to Liam’s seven marathon challenge visit his fund-raising website, justgiving.com/Liam-Barnes2012.