A SOUTH Tyneside car dealership has a great little runner on its books – but on two legs rather than four wheels!
Charity champion Ian Davison, 37, assistant parts manager at the Jennings Ford Direct dealership on Newcastle Road, South Shields, has shown he has the drive to succeed after signing up for the Great North Run for the next three years.
The father-of-two, from Fulwell, Sunderland, is sure he’ll be able to put enough miles on the clock to complete the triple challenge in aid of the Marfan Trust, which supports research into Marfan Syndrome.
The condition claimed the life of a family friend, Liam Gash, at the age of just 22 in 2006.
Marfan Syndrome is an inherited disorder that can lead to swelling or potentially fatal tearing of the aorta, and can also affect the eyes and skeleton, causing problems such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, loose joints and early osteoarthritis.
Mr Davison is determined to raise even more cash for charity, having already completed the Great North Run four times, the Edinburgh Marathon and a sponsored walk from Roker Pier to South Shields Pier.
He has also taken part in a number of Sunderland Boxing Day Dips in aid of various causes, including Help for Heroes and Diabetes UK.
Mr Davison said: “It’s great to raise money for charity, and do your bit to help out and running is also a good way for me to stay fit.
“When I completed my ballot entry for this year’s run, I decided to sign up for the next three years. I’m sure I’ll do at least three more after that.”
The experienced runner set off on his charity path after taking part in the pier to pier walk from Roker to South Shields five years ago, again in aid of the Marfan Trust.
Mr Davison adds: “About 50 people took part in the pier to pier walk and it took us over two hours to finish, but it was all good fun and that’s what spurred me on to do more charity events.”
The marathon man is currently undergoing a strict exercise regime at his local gym ahead of the Great North Run half marathon in September, with a coast to coast bike ride from Whitehaven to Sunderland, and the Sunderland 10k run.
For more information about the Marfan Trust, visit www.marfantrust.org
Twitter@shieldsgazchris
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