No half measures for Norfolk man’s marathon challenge
An NHS worker and father-of-three has made the bold decision to run one half-marathon a month until November to raise money for the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Foundation.
Jock O'Connor, pictured, a senior practitioner at the Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, will complete in a total of four half-marathons, beginning and ending in his home county of Norfolk.
He said: 'Although I have previously taken part in a marathon and half-marathon before, this is the first time I am doing it to raise money.
'I have chosen to support the Mental Health Foundation as they do great research, which has an impact on what my colleagues and I do as mental health professionals.'
Jock, 39, from Thurlton near Loddon, ran in Great Yarmouth a couple of weeks ago and is running in the Great North Run in September, at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in October, and will round off with a run in Norwich during November.
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Jock, whose training has also helped him quit smoking, continued: 'Training consists of running whenever I can, although having three children under five years old can make this a pretty impossible task!
'I have been known to get up at 4am, run 13 to 15 miles, have a shower and be at work for 7.15am.
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'I am trying to raise as much as possible and appreciate the generosity of anyone willing to support me, my running and this worthwhile charity.'
Jock's plans for the future include taking part in the London Marathon, mountaineering and fell walking and at least another marathon after that.
To donate to Jock's fundraising go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Jockoc44
Are you raising money for charity? Call Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk
