Covid survivor targets record
A dad-of-two, who beat Covid-19 twice, is to attempt to break his own Guinness World Record in a mammoth challenge.
Lee Williamson, from Penshaw, is set to take on his own half marathon Guinness World Record today at Silksworth Sports Complex Track as part of a challenge to raise money for four charities.
Fifty-year-old Lee will be attempting six Guinness World Records to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support, The Stroke Association, MIND, and the Make A Wish Foundation.
The former professional chef once worked for The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, until epilepsy ended his aspirations before having a stroke 14 years ago which resulted in him losing all movement down his right side.
Speaking about the challenge, Lee said: “We all have our struggles; it’s how we face them that defines us. There’s a lot of laughter in our house and we are not the type of people to be downcast.
“I lost my career as a chef as a result of epilepsy many years ago, I’m in a wheelchair as a result of a stroke and have struggled with my mental health at times.
"But I am very much a fighter and an optimist. I never want my World Records to be held for long, I want them to inspire other people living with disability to have a go and beat them.
"World Record attempts should be all-inclusive and taken on by anyone with the right mindset and motivation. That’s what I’m trying to prove.”
Lee was one of the first people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the North East in March 2020 and contracted it again in January this year – both times he was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital.
He added: “It was a very frightening experience, but I’m determined and have bounced back and have taken medical advice that my traininghelped me overcome C ovid and will help with continued rehabilitation following persistent long-Covid symptoms.
“I’m confident of beating my original half marathon time as I actually injured my foot in 2019; so barring any further mishaps a better time is definitely achievable.”
You can follow Lee’s journey and donate to him by visiting his fund-raising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ LeeWilliamson12.