Paddy pounds streets for Alzheimer's funds

PATRICK Harwood poses for a finishers' photo after the Yorkshire Tough Mudder event

AN AMBITIOUS fundraiser from Royton has tasked himself with running seven endurance events in the space of just six months.

Patrick Harwood - known as Paddy - has seen first-hand the effects of dementia after a close family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago.

The dad-of-two was spurred on to raise money for national charity Alzheimer's Society, who provide support for those affected by the disease as well as fund research.

The 28-year-old, who has never tackled a marathon before, is juggling his training around both his job at Medlock Valley Primary School and family life.

Paddy said: "Back in February, I decided I wanted to do some fundraising for Alzheimer's Society.

"After my partner's grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and after seeing the impact it has had on the family as a whole, I decided I wanted to do something to try and help fight this cruel illness.

"It has been a stressful time for everyone, especially my partner's mum and dad.

"It becomes a stressful time for a lot of people in the family and I hope that my fundraising can help contribute to trying to improve research into this illness."

In March, Paddy began planning for a modest five running exploits but as if that was not enough, he has since increased the number to seven.

Since commencing the massive undertaking, Paddy has received huge support, with a dedicated Just Giving page nearing his £1,000 target.

He has been spurred on by sausage butties and brews from partner Rachael and their two sons Alfie (2) and Bobby (six months).

With two children under two and not wanting to affect his family life, the dedicated dad has been getting up at 5.30am to either go to the gym or set off on 16-mile runs throughout the six-month period.

First up was the Oldham 7k on May 14, followed by the Greater Manchester Half Marathon later that same month.

In mid-June, he took on the Oldham 10k. He had a one-month breather before pulling on his running shoes again in July for both the Royton Trail Race and Yorkshire Tough Mudder.

With the end in sight, Paddy is now in training for the Fleetwood Half Marathon on August 20.

But the ultimate challenge will be what Paddy dubs "the big one" - the Birmingham International Marathon - on October 15.

Paddy said: "I'm a relatively fit person but I have never done a marathon before, so I am feeling quite nervous. I have downloaded a training plan and sought advice from a few experienced runners.

"Training for these last two events is going pretty well. I have always done a bit of running, but nothing on this scale."

He added: "I'm absolutely delighted with how much I have raised so far and all the support that I have been getting from people.

"It is a bit of a cliché, but it really does spur me on when I am pounding the streets at 6am on a Saturday morning."

To donate to Patrick's cause visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-harwood1.