Adrian rolls onto next running challenge

Running man Adrian Smith is gearing up for his latest challenge in aid of two charities which provide vital aid for vulnerable children and families.

The Bacup-based father-of-three has already raised £11,000 by completing a marathon in the Middle East and the legendary Great North Run half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields.

Now the principal planning officer at Rossendale Council is heading closer to home to tackle the Manchester Half Marathon on May 20.

He is supporting Open Doors, which helps Christians around the world fleeing persecution, and Stand by Me, which rescues children from extreme poverty and abuse in countries like Nepal, Burma and Ethiopia.

With a half marathon personal best of 1 hr 45 mins he said:

If I could do something similar I would be happy but it’s not about getting a PB, it’s about raising money for two very worthwhile causes.

Every little helps; the money will go to things like helping to stop girls in Egypt and Pakistan being kidnapped by extremists or helping children who come from poor families, are orphaned or have been abandoned to get an education and a good start in life.

Adrian (57) is a speaker for Open Doors, which involves promoting its work, and has met refugee children in Iraq and Lebanon who have been helped by the charity.

His girlfriend works for Stand by Me and he added:

The training is going OK. I’ve had physio for a calf injury, which limited my running, but I’m back on track and running about 20 miles a week on top of gym sessions.

I’m not saying that it’s easy and there are times when I just don’t want to go out running. But when I’m struggling I remember that running is a privilege and a freedom that the people I am raising money for don’t have.

To sponsor Adrian visit his Just Giving pages for Open Doors,  Stand by Me or for both charities.

People can also donate £10 from their mobile phone account by texting TPVW56 10 to 70070 (Open Doors) or KFUX69 10 to 70070 (Stand by Me).