FUNDRAISER Dave Howell was so determined to help grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses that he braved three marathons in just three weeks.
Triumphing Paris, London and finally Milton Keynes marathons (78 miles in total), Dave, from Billericay, raised more than £4,280, in aid of Round Table Children’s Wish.
The effort brings the total number of marathons he’s completed to nine.
On completing the marathons Dave said: “Some people might think I’m mad to run three marathons in three weeks - I’ve never known exhaustion like it. But it was an incredible experience and the thought of what children go through when they’re battling life-threatening illnesses was all the motivation I needed.”
Dave, 39, completed each of the marathons in under four hours and twenty-five minutes, his fastest being Paris in four hours and two minutes. And he said London offered the best atmosphere.
He said: “In London the crowds really cheer you on and people really have fun with the fancy dress - Superman ran past me in the final mile!”
Dave, Global Head of Audit for RSA Insurance, added: “On the last mile of the last marathon I felt fantastic - I was walking on air. As I crossed the finish line I was whooping, shouting and punching the air. The pain, the muscle ache and tears were all worth it ... but never, ever again!”
Among the typical wishes granted by Round Table Children’s Wish are trips to Disneyland Paris, Legoland and Lapland, swimming with dolphins, meeting sporting heroes or special gifts.