Big Pink Dress man running London Marathon on a treadmill at home in South Shields

Only this time, he is doing the equivalent of the London Marathon on a treadmill in his own home.

The actual London Marathon has been moved to Sunday, October 4, because the coronavirus pandemic meant it could not go ahead on its planned date of April 26.

But Colin was determined to still do his bit for his nominated charity which is Macmillan, and now he will run the same length as the iconic race but at two kilometres each day until April 26.

And watch out for a fancy dress spectacular on the last day. Colin explained more.

“I was meant to raise some money for Macmillan doing the London Marathon and it has been cancelled now until October.

“I just wanted to do my little bit and plus I get my daily exercise now without going out so I am going to do my exercise at home.

“I am doing 2km a day for 21 days but on the last day, I have got something a little special planned. I am in talks and we are hoping to get 21 of the most iconic fancy dress runners from the London Marathon doing a live stream at the same time.

“That would mean that we did 26 miles for the NHS on the last day.”

Amazingly, his latest effort comes just days after he finished his last charity event.

Colin organised his 10k Rainbow Dress NHS Walk to say thank you for the support he received while suffering heart probems last year.

The walk which began at 9.10am, on Saturday, April 4, saw Colin leave South Tyneside Hospital and zig-zag his way through the streets of South Shields to make his way towards Horsley Hill in aid of the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

Colin said he was blown away by the community spirit in South Shields and was so proud of his hometown.

But he confessed that this was one of the most difficult walks he has ever done because of all the different streets he walked down.

Colin was rushed to South Tyneside District Hospital in July last year after suffering a problem with a valve in his heart and high blood pressure.

He said the inspiration behind the walk was to say “thank you” to the health heroes who saved his life.

That walk was held to raise money for the nationwide NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal which is gathering pace.

The NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal aims to fund well-being packs and gifts for staff and volunteers on wards. It will also fund food deliveries; pay for the cost of travel, parking, and accommodation for NHS staff and for volunteers; and enhance the well-being of NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

It’s target is to raise £100million and more than 5,000 people have already pledged their support.

To support Colin, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Bigpinkdressfundraising&pageUrl=17.

For the latest updates and case numbers on the coronavirus, visit the Shields Gazette website.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.