A starter for 10... Inspired?....... we are

Post date: Aug 19, 2014 2:09:21 PM

We are delighted to announce that Simon Illingworth MBE will be running the inaugural BADGERS Atherstone 10k before embarking on his biggest running challenge to date, The Great Barrow Challenge – 10 Marathons in 10 Days starting on 4th September.

Simon Illingworth MBE

Completing the BA10k as a warm up to this challenge, Simon will accompany his seventeen year old son in his first race. Awarded an MBE in 2009 for his charitable works; Simon will openly tell you he is neither ‘famous or a hero’ but one thing is for sure, Simon is a character of whom many admire and many more are inspired by.

Running a healthy 29 marathons between 1984 and 2003, Simon loved his running.

On Christmas Eve, 2003 Simon was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer and had his testes removed in early 2004. To keep him well Simon needs regular testosterone injections for the rest of his life.

Simon was also told he was unlikely to be able to run another marathon.

Four months later, Simon was diagnosed with Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma and overheard a doctor saying he would be very lucky to reach the age of 50.

Taking inspiration from Jane Tomlinson and Lance Armstrong (who despite everything else raised millions for charity), Simon wanted to continue running and help raise as much money as possible for cancer charities.

Building his training up slowly Simon completed his 30th Marathon in 2005 and by 2008 he had completed 48. Since then, Simon has averaged 30 marathons a year. Joining the much coveted 100 Marathon Club, he has now completed 245 marathons and raised over £30,000 for cancer charities.

All this from a man they told would not be able to run another marathon.

Simon is now 52, in full remission enjoying life with wife, Carol, three sons and let us not forget his continued running and fundraising.

Having had the pleasure of meeting Simon on a number of occasions, Simon claims to be just an ordinary ‘nutter’ and I know he will be embarrassed when I say, in our eyes he is a ‘special nutter’.

I am sure you will join me and the BA10k organising team in wishing Simon all the very best with his challenge and we hope he and his son enjoy the BADGERS Atherstone 10k.

As with the BADGERS Atherstone 10k, Simon is raising funds for Zoe’s Place- Baby Hospice in Coventry and if you would like to make a donation I will provided his JustGiving shortly.

All the best from one inspired Race Director