Dad completes 10k run in full suit of armour

A HULL dad of six has completed a gruelling 10km run in his front garden while wearing a full suit of armour.

Mike Manders, of Acland Street off Albert Avenue, was running to raise money for Action for

Children and finished the challenged in one hour and 38 minutes.

After completing the run on a treadmill set up outside his home yesterday, he described the experience as “painful”.

He said: “It was pain, lots of pain. My back ached and it was really hot and the armour kept rubbing over my foot, it was really painful.

“But it was good, I managed to get a sprint in at the end.”

Mike started running last year when, after reaching his 34th birthday, he weighed almost 19st.

Having since lost an incredible 5st in under a year, Mike completed the challenge while wearing a full suit of armour weighing the same as the amount he has lost.

“I’m definitely pleased with my time, to run it in under one hour 40 minutes is brilliant,” he said.

Mike had originally been due to run the Hull 10km, but decided to take on the challenge in his own front garden after the run was cancelled due to lockdown.

So far, he has raised £500 of his £1,000 target and is still due to run the rearranged Hull 10km in August and the Great North Run in September.

He said: “I’d decided to run for Action for Children because a friend and colleague of mine has done lots of fundraising for them already. And as a father of six children I wanted to support the charity and all the great work it does with kids and their families.

“Especially at a time like this there are lots of families out there needing support.”

■■To donate, visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/mike-manders1