Published Date: 28 October 2008
By Petula Martyn
A LIMERICK-based athlete won the hearts of supporters at the Dublin marathon yesterday when he broke a world record for the fastest marathon ever completed on crutches.
There were huge cheers from the crowd when Simon Baker crossed the finish line after completing the course in six hours and 47 minutes, smashing the record by 26 minutes.
The awe-inspiring achievement has earned the 41-year-old a listing in the Guinness Book of Records.
Simon, who is originally from London but who has made Castletroy his home, was one of almost 12,000 competitors to take part in yesterday's event.
Unlike the previous record holder, Simon ran the entire 26 miles 385 yards without the assistance of a prosthetic leg, relying only on his one remaining leg and a pair of crutches.
He lost his leg in a workplace accident four years ago and recently decided to turn his misfortune around and set about raising badly needed funds for Irish based charity, the Bubble Gum Club.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader before the marathon, Simon admitted that he thought his life was over after his leg was amputated.
"It wasn't until I was introduced to some very sick children through the Bubble Gum Club that I realised that losing a leg was absolutely nothing. Running a marathon with one leg is simple compared to what these brave little souls have to deal with every day and anything I can do to help is a pleasure"
The Bubble Gum Club looks after terminally ill children and children in crisis. The charity helps over 2,000 children every year across the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment