Marathon runner hails kindhearts
A RUNNER who passed out on a tram after running the Manchester Marathon has thanked the people who came to his rescue saying they ‘did the city proud’.
More than 32,000 people set off on the 26.2-mile route around the city on Sunday.
Chris Bull was one of them and travelled down to Manchester from Leeds to take part in the marathon – his 15th since he first started running in 2010.
Chris crossed the finish line in under four hours but when he got on the tram at Old Trafford things took a turn.
The 56-year-old, who works at
Leeds Beckett University, said: “I got onto the tram, it was busy and I went into a corner. I’ve fainted before but didn’t recognise the signs. I was fine but then half way into town I suddenly started feeling really hot and like I needed to get air.
I can’t even remember passing out, that’s how bad it was. One minute I was just thinking I was hot and the next I was on the deck with people checking whether I was okay. The people on the tram were superb, they really were. I can’t remember anything about it but I was told when I fell somebody caught me so I didn’t hit the ground. I was supported all the way.”
Once the tram got to St Peter’s Square Chris was met by two Metrolink staff. The pair helped him get to Chorlton Street bus station where he was getting his coach home.
He said: “They met me and were brilliant. I had no idea where I was. I was so out of it. They checked I was okay, picked up my bag and walked me all the way to Chorlton Street and spoke to someone at National Express to make sure they kept an eye on me. They didn’t leave me until they made sure I was okay. I’ve sent an email to Metrolink because I really want people to get thanks for it.”
He added: “I had a great weekend and a great marathon, but most of all I can honestly say that the people of Manchester were incredible – both in their supporting the runners during the event and especially in supporting and caring for me when I passed out on the tram.
“I am so grateful to them and will definitely be back next year to do it all again.”