Dad’s marathon will fight rare syndrome
AFINANCE boss is teaming up with his sister to run a marathon in support of a charity which helps people with a rare genetic disease.
James Wilkinson, CEO of Zuto, a car finance company based at Lyme Green, is hoping to raise £6,000 for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA).
The charity funds vital research into the incurable condition where common symptoms are learn- ing difficulties, abnormal growths and obsessive eating.
James’s young son Jimmy, six, has the condition, which affects one in every 15,000 children born in England.
James will be swapping car sales for running shoes by joining his sister Cath Salt in the London Marathon on April 24.
This will be the second time James has run the London Marathon following his feat in 2012, when he completed the course in a time of 3hrs 48mins, raising a total of £5,500 for PWSA.
James said: “There’s a healthy dose of sibling rivalry here but we’re united in raising funds for the PWSA and I can’t wait to take on the marathon with Cath for a cause that is very close to my heart.
“Since Christmas I’ve been putting in a lot of training and am hoping for a time of three and a half hours.”
The dedicated dad has been working with the PWSA for more than five years following Jimmy’s diagnosis.
James’s company, which has offices in Macclesfield and Manchester, has also been fundraising for the PWSA for three years.
In January the Zuto team smashed the £30,000 barrier following a variety of schemes including bake sales, a charity calendar, sports days and joint commercial partnerships.
James said the charity has been a massive support to him and Jimmy.
Speaking of the partnership, James said: “I am thrilled we have built such a close relationship with PWSA, to not only raise much needed funds but help build the infrastructure and skills resource within the charity.
“The charity has been an invaluable support to us over the years.”
Anyone interested in supporting James and Cath’s marathon feat, is can donate to the cause at www. justgiving. com/ jamesandcath16.