Even a sprained ankle didn’t stop determined Alex Daniels, from Newton-le-Willows, from crossing the finishing line at the recent Great North Run.
And the animal loving runner completed the 13.1 mile course whilst also dressed as a guide dog… as a clue to the charity he chose to support.
Alex, who moved to Newton nearly three years ago, took on the UK’s most famous half-marathon, The Great North Run, raisin more than £650 for Guide Dogs UK. It was his eighth half-marathon, and he was inspired to choose guide dogs as his chosen cause because of his soon-to-be mum-in-law Julie Smith, who helps to raise and train guide dogs.
Alex competing in the marathon in his Guide Dog costume
Over the last 5 years, Julie has helped to train two guide dog puppies – Molly and Quinny.
And despite Alex actually spraining an ankle during training, he still carried on and completed the 13.1m race in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Commenting on the achievement, Alex said: “I’ve done a marathon, and I’ve completed seven half marathons before this, but this was definitely the toughest race I’ve competed in.
“The atmosphere was absolutely incredible though, and I’m so proud I was able to raise money for Guide Dogs. Julie has been absolutely amazing, raising some legendary puppies, and I hope this money will help even more blind people to get a dog to join their family.”
Julie Smith, Alex’s soon-to-be mum-in-law, added: “I’ve been helping to raise guide dogs for the last five years, and they are the most amazing animals. Alex is such a hero helping to raise money for them, and we’re all so, so proud of him.”
Donations can still be made to Alex’s fundraiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind here.