A drink drive victim from Boscombe who ran 27 marathons in 26 straight days now aims to cover 212 miles of the South West Coast Path in just five days.
Bournemouth school caretaker Paul O’Boyle, 56, will set off from Old Harry Rocks in Studland on Sat July 31 and attempt to reach Plymouth Barbican on August 4th, having run an average of 42 miles each day.
The father-of-one will be once again raising money for Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity which funds the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, which provides palliative care and support for over 1600 people and their families every year.
Paul took up running after surviving an horrific hit and run in July 2015.
He sustained fractures to his skull, ribs and collarbone when he was knocked off his bike in Wallisdown Road, Poole and spent a month in hospital before undergoing lengthy rehabilitation and speech therapy.
Paul said: “Running was the way I got myself back to fitness and back on track and I totally fell in love with it. So, in October last year I decided I was going to see how far I could push myself by running 27 marathons in 26 days for the Mac Unit.
“It was tough beyond words. But with a huge amount of support, I managed it and I was thrilled to raise over £12,000.”
He continued: “I’ve walked parts of the South West Coast Path many times and have often wondered if I could run it. Now I’m going to find out – and hopefully raise some more cash for the Mac Unit along the way.”
Paul has already managed to fit in some pretty gruelling ‘training’:
He ran the one-day Jurassic 100km on May 23.
And went on to conquer the famous Three Peaks Challenge just two weeks later on June 5th.
He said: “Friends and family probably dread what I’m going to suggest next. But I am incredibly excited by this next challenge.
“It won’t be easy. The terrain is tricky and running along a clifftop isn’t without its perils of course! But I have a great support crew travelling the road route alongside me and making sure I get rest and food each night and I’m determined to make it to Plymouth Barbican on August 4.”
All the money Paul raises will go to Macmillan Caring Locally’s Brick by Brick appeal to replace the existing outdated Mac Unit with a brand new hospice to meet the future needs of the community.
He added: “Hopefully people will get behind me and donate to my challenge. The work of the Mac Unit and its staff is legendary and I hope people will show their appreciation for it.”
Neal Williams, Trust Secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, said: “What Paul has overcome and has gone on to achieve is incredible, and I for one feel honoured to know him.
“His latest challenge is just as gruelling as his last and we hope individuals and businesses will sponsor the Marathon Man and send him messages to encourage him along his route.
“By supporting Paul, they will be helping us get another step closer to building a wonderful new hospice. Our staff provide outstanding care for our patients, and we want them to be supported in the best possible facility.”
Paul can be sponsored via: justgiving.com/campaign/Marathonmangoeswest
To donate to Macmillan Caring Locally’s Brick by Brick Appeal or to start your own fundraising journey please visit: www.macmillanlocal.org
Media information from Debbie Granville at Deep South Media on 07884 657782 email: