Collecting for Loros in break from marathons

POLAR bear Osy will once again be in Leicester, by the Clock Tower, on Saturday and Christmas Eve collecting for Loros, which really does need our support even more this year.

I, Osy, have spent the past six months of lockdown running (well, more walking) quite a few virtual marathons – 21 so far. Not bad for this 71-year-old guy.

It’s been good, though not as much fun running alone, but all for a good purpose.

I have been encouraged to see lots more runners out and about in lockdown, keeping fit, while keeping safe.

Over the years, I have run 154 marathons, all over the world.

I can’t say I love running, but I can do it, and love going all over the world, getting some amazing medals and meeting runners from all over.

Polar bear Osy ran a bit of the North Pole Marathon in 2006, my 100th marathon, and then also ran the London Marathon 10 days later. All for charity.

Virtual marathons, I found, have really helped me, in lockdown. Okay, I’m not running the world any more, but Leicester is not a bad place to run in, but the medals I run for now are still from around the world – London, New York, Athens, Tokyo, Boston, as well as Manchester, Edinburgh and Nottingham.

There are lots more virtual marathons, but I only do the virtual marathons in places I have actually run in before for real.

It’s been a good way to keep this retired guy fit and happy.

Now, as for the past few Christmases, I am about to do my bit for Loros again this December.

No running for this, but oh our help is so much needed, this year especially.

So I hope, if you’re in town on December 19 or 24, come see me at the Clock Tower. Say hallo and please donate.

You will have nothing to worry about as polar bear will be wearing his face mask. Keeping safe. Sorry, no cuddles this year, but lots of love.

Osy Waye, Leicester