Marathon cabbie plans capital trip
ACABBIE will swap driving round the streets of Macclesfield for road running through Berlin as he raises money for charity.
Alan Flood, 70, of Fairview Road, will take part in the German capital’s annual marathon on Sunday, September 25, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
It is a cause close to his family’s heart as his mother-in-law Shirley Jones suffered with dementia, so he has seen the trauma caused by the condition.
The grandad-of-six has been a runner for more than a decade and has completed marathons in Manchester, Chester, Copenhagen, Venice, Latvia and Berlin once before.
Alan, who drives as a subcontractor for Cabco, said: “I started marathons at the age of 58, this will be my 13th marathon in Europe and my 16th altogether.
“I went supporting my sons when they ran marathons and thought I’m really into this now.
“So I decided to get fit and run alongside them.
“I enjoy the occasion and the camaraderie between other runners, when you run you get supporters wishing you all the best, it’s wonderful.”
Alan has already completed two marathons this year and as part of his training took part in the Cheshire Half Marathon, at Capesthorne Hall, this Sunday.
Wife Patricia will support him in Berlin although sons Daniel, 37, and Ashley, 36 as well as daughter Natalie, 32, all have children of their own so are unable to make the journey this time.
Alan played 11-a-side football until 42 and five-a-side until 60.
He said: “I’ve always been active and now I’ve carried that on, just doing something different.
“My philosophy is while I’m still able to keep doing it I will because I enjoy it and one day my knees will prevent me.
“I’m lucky
“I can’t twist and turn anymore but I can still run in a straight line so I want to make the most of it.
“I’m very excited to see Berlin and looking forward to the race.
Speaking about the cause he is running for, Alan added: “It was horrible to witness what my mother-in-law went through and it really affected my family.
“But I also saw what important work the Alzheimer’s Society do”
“My philosophy is while I’m still able to keep doing it I will because I enjoy it and one day my knees will prevent me.”