A Leigh man is running 14 marathons in 13 months for his grandad and a brilliant charity
A Wigan borough man has set himself a gruelling challenge with money going to a charity close to his heart.
Nathan Wall is a local primary school teacher who sadly lost his grandad, Alan Litherland, suddenly at the age of 75 to a cardiac arrest and in his memory, decided to start a huge challenge.
The Leigh 34-year-old said: “I’ve always enjoyed running and its something that I’ve used to get myself through this tough time.
"I’ve been applying to the London Marathon for 10 years and been rejected every time, so this year I thought I’d do it for a charity that would then be dedicated to my grandad.”
As a result, Nathan has set himself the mammoth challenge of running 14 marathons in 13 months securing his final run under a charity spot with The British Heart Foundation in the London Marathon next year.
The British Heart Foundation is the UK's top charity for heart and circulatory diseases. Founded in 1961, it funds over £100m in life-saving research each year.
"Their work helps prevent and treat conditions like heart attacks and strokes, cutting related death rates in half.
Nathan is hoping to raise at least £2,500 for the charity through this challenge.
Now, Nathan is coming up to the half way point of his challenge with his next run being an ultra marathon in Windermere called The Lap which is 75km in total.
Nathan said: “I’m a little bit sore but I’m enjoying the challenge and I’m seeing massive improvements in my running time as well.”
Despite this, Nathan is dreading the winter months, he said: “I’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be a very long four hours in the rain and freezing cold. I think they’re going to be my toughest challenge.”
To raise more money, Nathan is organising a quiz night and raffle at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute at 7pm on September 4, which is something him and his grandad loved to do together.
Tickets are £10 and will include bingo and a range of prizes including a meal for two at Northcote, a £15 voucher at Cucina Cafe and many more.
To get your quiz and raffle tickets, send a message on Instagram to @nathanrunsmarathons and to donate to the fundraiser, go to: https://gofund.me/3ec86c809