Salfords student in training for 30-mile charity run to the coast (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Salfords student in training for 30-mile charity run to the coast

1:44pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Local News

A Salfords student studying for a degree in Fitness and Personal Training is preparing to take on a 30-mile run for charity.

Charlie Walker, 19, of Westmead Drive, is in training to run from his workplace at Earlswood McDonald’s on Horley Road, down to the coast at Brighton, finishing at Brighton Pier.

He will be running in aid of Ronald McDonald House Charities, the restaurant chain's cause which raises money to provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families of sick children being treated in hospital.

And once he has caught his breath, Charlie is hoping to pay a visit to one of the charity’s 15 houses around the country, this one located next to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Charlie, who is studying for his degree at Southampton Solent University, said: “Ronald McDonald House Charities is McDonald’s charity of choice, and in the three years I have worked at the Earlswood restaurant I’ve seen lots of effort going into the fundraising activities for the Brighton house.”

He said: “Last year, some of our team cycled to Brighton in aid of the charity and it got me thinking about whether I could run the same distance.

“With some encouragement I decided to commit and starting training for the run five months ago.”

He said: “So far I’ve run 15 miles as I am conscious of not injuring myself before the run, and I’m sure the motivation for the other 15 miles will come on the day.” Charlie will be setting off from his workplace on Sunday, October 14, at 10am.

For the 30-mile distance, he will be cheered on by a support crew, who will be cycling alongside him.

He is aiming to complete the challenge in under five hours.

Ronald McDonald House Brighton can accommodate up to 18 families at any one time and provides a supportive environment for parents whose babies or children are being cared for in hospital.

Each bedroom has a direct line to the children’s ward and, with such close proximity to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, parents can get a good night’s sleep knowing that they are only seconds away if needed. People wishing to help Charlie's fundraising can do so online at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runtobrighton For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities visit its website: www.rmhc.org.uk/littlebox