Barry News
Barry man's marathon mission for Ty Hafan!
8:30am Tuesday 7th February 2012
A BARRY man is running the London Marathon for Ty Hafan – after being called up as a last minute replacement!
Ross Matthews, 29, applied for a place in the Marathon back in September, but only found out he had been chosen to represent the children's hospice last week, after a fellow runner suffered a broken ankle.
Ross, of Gerddi Margaret on the Waterfront, is hoping to raise more than £2,500 for the charity before the big day on April 22.
And he hopes to reach the target by collecting sponsorship and organising a fundraiser at the Cadoxton Conservative Club on February 17.
"Considering I've only got about 14 weeks to train for it, I'm a bit nervous!" he said.
"I have been training since the start of the year, but now I will have to step it up and train a lot harder as I want to do it under four hours.
"It would be a big achievement for me. I have done three half marathons in Cardiff, so I want to have a good go at a full marathon."
Ross, who plays football for Cadoxton Barry FC and skittles for Barry Rugby Club, added: "I have always wanted to run the London Marathon after watching it on TV."
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge, as well as the atmosphere on the day.
"I’m going to put a nickname on my vest so people know who I am and can cheer me on!"
Ross’s partner Rachel Shankland said: "I’m really proud of him, and proud that he’s doing it for a charity that is close to our hearts."
Ross added: "It’s a fantastic local charity and they do some wonderful things for children."
* A fundraising music and quiz night will take place at Cadoxton Conservative Club on February 17, with an acoustic performance by Matthew Blumberg. For tickets (£5) ring Ross on 07870 600285 or email ross.matthews1982@gmail.com (tickets can also be bought from the bar at Cadoxton Cons Club).
* To sponsor Ross visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RossMatthews
* If you are a local business and would like to sponsor Ross you can contact him on 07870 600285.