Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Multiple marathons
Runner tackles the John Muir Way for a Joelette
An Airdrie runner has completed an epic coast-tocoast challenge for charity.
Nelson Liddle ran five marathons over 134 miles along the route of the John Muir Way from Helensburgh to Dunbar, raising more than £1400 so far.
The money will go towards buying a Joelette adapted wheelchair for youngsters.
An Ai rdrie runner has completed an epic 134- mile coast- to- coast challenge, raising funds to bring a specialist adapted wheelchair for running events to Scotland.
Nelson Liddle undertook five successive marathons along the route of the John Muir Way, from Helensburgh to Dunbar – divided into two bouts of running after blisters set in following his first two runs in very challenging conditions.
He completed the final leg of his personal challenge on Monday and has so far raised nearly £1400 towards a Joelette adapted wheelchair, which allows youngsters with mobililty challenges to take part in major runs with the help of volunteer athletes who pull it along the course.
With further support from disability organisations, Nelson has now arranged for the Joelette to make its debut in this country at the Great Scottish Run in October; and his fundraising organisation, Joelette and People Experiences ( Japes) is interested to hear from anyone who would like to nominate a young person to use the special wheelchair or who would like to join its team of pilot runners.
Nelson, an English teacher at Portland High in Coatbridge, first took up running seven years ago in order to get fit and soon progressed at pace in his sport, participating in his first marathon in Rome in 2014.
While running in the Italian capital, he first saw the Joelette in use, recalling: “Around 20 miles in, I heard a commotion behind me, and then here was this Joelette adapted wheelchair, carrying a child who had mobility challenges and with guys running with it.
“It gave that child the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be in a major running event – it’s a big thrill to be among thousands of runners and there’s great camaraderie which was being shared.
“The youngster was delighted to be the centre of attention and there was a look of real joy on his wee face as the crowd erupted around him; it really was a goosebump moment for everyone and a great bonding experience.
“Straight away I thought it would be fantastic in Scotland, as the atmosphere during runs here is always terrific, and I set about tracking down where to find one, getting a quote and coming up with fundraising ideas.
“I’d seen Eddie Izzard doing 27 marathons in 27 days and Jo Brand walking coast to coast, so those gave me ideas and the John Muir Way really appealed for my personal fundraising challenge.”
Nelson, 51, completed the 26mile marathon distance on each day of his challenge, running from first Helensburgh to Strathblane, then picking up at each finishing point to run in turn to Falkirk, South Queensferry and Prestonpans before crossing the finishing line in Dunbar on Monday.
Day one of the challenge coincided with the recent huge storm which caused widespread flooding and travel disruption – and he said: “The conditions were really awful; I was completely soaked within three miles and that really did the damage to my feet!
“It was a beautiful route to Balloch, despite the weather; the second day was easier, following canal paths, but after that I realised I’d have to stop to recover and then pick up the challenge again at Falkirk.
“Although I’d rather have been able to do the marathons over five consecutive days, it was still a real challenge and I was delighted to complete it.”
Nelson was supported en route by wife Annie, acting as his support team – and he succesfully completed the final three marathons on three successive days.
He is now looking forward to participating in the Great Scottish Run and is hoping to be part of the team which will bring the Joelette into action.
Nelson said: “It will be a fantastic launch; various organisations have identified three young pilots to take part in it.
“I’ve had great support from disability trusts and from the running community, and at school. I work with young people and share my love of English with them; the Japes project and running these marathons have allowed me to share what I do as an extra-curricular activity.”
For more information on Nelson’s Joelette project, including how to donate, visit www. japes. scot ; or nominate a young person for the experience email info@japes.scot.