Former rugby international to run London Marathon
A former England rugby union international from Halifax has decided to swap rugby boots for running shoes to take on this year’s London Marathon.
Charlie Hodgson, who represented Saracens and Sale Sharks during his playing career, will cover the 26.2 mile route around the streets of the capital on April 23 to support Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Charlie is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity, which will help fund research into treatments for rare, life-limiting, musclewasting conditions and support the 110,000 children and adults across the UK affected by these conditions.
Charlie was inspired to sign up to his first London Marathon for the charity after attending MDUK’s Celebrity Sports Quiz event.
He said: “I am always completely humbled by the personal stories that are shared by the families living with muscle-wasting conditions at the event.
"It’s heartbreaking to know there isn’t a cure yet, but the money that I raise will hopefully be a small contribution towards helping reach ground-breaking treatments.”
Charlie was due to complete the delayed London
Marathon in October 2022 but due to injury had to defer his place until this year.
After training for several months, he is determined to complete the marathon and wants to cross the final line in under four hours and 15
minutes.
He said: “I’m most looking forward to (hopefully) crossing the finish line and hearing the crowds on the day and just taking the whole experience in.
Kiera Santry, challenge events manager for Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We are forever grateful to Charlie for his continuous support and for choosing to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will help us continue supporting and improving the lives of thousands of families living with rare musclewasting conditions.
To support Charlie, visit his online fundraising page: justgiving.com/fundraising/ charlie-hodgson5