A Nottingham man has taken on the challenge of breaking the world record for the fastest half-marathon dressed in full cricket kit after receiving a donation of gear from Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney.
The Notts duo gave pads, gloves, shinguards and a helmet to Simon Morgan of West Bridgford in advance of his record attempt – which Gurney discussed on the Talk of Trent Bridge podcast.
Simon’s original plan was to make his record attempt at the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 29 March – but when that was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 42-year-old opted to tackle the distance in his back garden.
Simon managed just shy of 10 miles – over 300 laps of his garden – in two hours and 15 minutes before an ankle injury curtailed his fundraising effort in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
“It was the toughest run I’ve ever done,” he said on completion.
“My ankles were not thanking me for all the twists and turns of a short course on the garden, so I had to cut short the planned distance.
“I decided to run for Prostate Cancer UK after meeting and talking with people affected by the disease whilst volunteering.
“It became obvious to me that we should all be doing our bit to make our male folk more aware of this disease.
“The figures show that one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime – and with more than eight male members in my immediate family, including two sons, this figure really hit home.
“I want to help eradicate this disease before they get older, so I now dedicate my available spare time to the charity either by taking part in challenges and events or volunteering and also helping others to do the same.
“I’m really hoping they can rearrange the London Landmarks Half Marathon in the future so I can put this practice to great use and get a shot at the world record.”
Simon will continue his fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK throughout 2020, with the Football to Amsterdam bike ride and the Great North Run both in his sights.