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Inspirational run to raise money for Cancer Research
It takes more than five major knee operations to hold a good loss prevention manager down – especially if the end result is raising much needed funds for Cancer Research.
This was the situation for B&M Store’s Neil Faulkner who thought that his running days were behind him after undergoing his fifth and final surgical procedure.
The Bristol-born regional manager had been a keen footballer for many years and had played for a number of teams, including at a semi-pro level. But the wear and tear on his vulnerable knee became too much and he hung up his football boots for good and thought running was a thing of the past – or so he thought.
In November 2013 his partner Donna’s father, Andy Schwartz a keen runner and athlete himself, developed liver cancer and sadly passed away within three months of his diagnosis.
“He was an inspirational character who was so fit and able. He used to run 5-6 half marathons a year and cycle to work every day, and he died so suddenly,” said Neil who started his retail career working for Waitrose.
“In March 2014 I entered the Bath half marathon to complete in Andy’s name, however, this was completed at a steady pace as I was concerned about my knee. This year I decided that I was going to raise more money for Cancer Research in Andy’s name, and this time completed the Bath half marathon with Donna’s brother Steve. We ran it together and completed it in one hour 50 minutes and 44 seconds, which was amazing, considering I had developed another injury, this time to my foot, which meant that I finished the race hobbling.”
Neil (pictured above left), who begins a new career challenge at Checkpoint Systems in April, managed to raise over £400 for his efforts, although he is now taking it easy ahead of starting his new job.
Neil’s just giving page is currently still open which can be found at the following address: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilFaulkner
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