A Spalding man is “feeling fantastic” in the run-up to facing the New York Marathon this weekend in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Duncan Wright (51) said: “I simply can’t wait. Training has gone well, although the long runs have been tough. I’ve ticked all the boxes on my training plan so hopefully I’ll be able to get round in one piece, and enjoy it!
“I must also say I feel very humbled by all the support I’ve received, everyone has been amazing.
“Unfortunately a lot of people are touched by cancer, but I know the money raised will help make a difference.”
To sponsor Duncan, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/duncanwright2017
Duncan has already completed the London Marathon twice for charity and now, with flights paid for by Consilium Wealth Limited, he’s going to run the New York marathon on Sunday, November 5.
“It’s the largest marathon in the world, running through the five boroughs of New York City and finishing in Central Park,” Duncan said.
Friends and family have spurred Duncan’s charity activity he said.
“My first marathon was in 2006, it was my 40th year so I decided I wanted to undertake a ‘proper challenge!’
“At that time my daughter was suffering with a kidney complaint, so Kidney Research became the benefactor that year.”
Since 2009, however, Duncan has donated to Cancer Research.
“My friend, Ian Haynes, was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.
“Once he came through that we organised an 80s party in February 2011, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. This became, and still is, an annual event.
“My marathon in 2011 was in my 45th year and Cancer Research UK was the obvious benefactor.
“Since that time Ian’s cancer returned, and many close friends have been affected by this terrible disease.
“Ian continues to be an inspiration. The fact that so many people I know are so regularly affected motivates me to continue doing as much as possible to raise funds, in the hope that any development in treatment may help someone who may not have been able to be helped before.”
Duncan said he is now in the most intense period of marathon training, and has run 51 miles in the last eight days.
“I enjoy the mental challenge as much as the physical. For me it’s all about committing to a training plan, then making sure every box is ticked,” he said.
Duncan, who lives on London Road in Spalding, has regularly runs the banks of the Welland.
“I first started road running in 2004, having ruptured my achilles tendon in 2002. I’ve continued to run ever since. As a result there are virtually no roads in town where I haven’t run!”
Duncan added that when marathon training, he embraces the chance to runs out toward Donington, Crowland, Holbeach and Bourne.
