Shropshire Star

Marathon effort as Nathan runs up £3,800 donation for Cure Leukaemia with Disney fundraiser

He battled a gruelling 48.6-mile trek across Florida's magical Disney World resort to raise cash for cancer sufferers.

Published

Now Shropshire Star digital sports editor Nathan Judah has proudly handed over a cheque for almost £3,800 to charity Cure Leukaemia.

Nathan said: "It was pleasure to be invited into Cure Leukaemia HQ by chief executive James McLaughlin.

"To sit down and understand the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes with such a small team is staggering.

"I can't emphasize enough that every single pound is sunk straight into the charity - and it really matters."

Nathan united with thousands of runners to take part in the fifth annual Dopey Challenge in January.

He completed a 5km, 10km, half-marathon and full marathon over four days across the theme parks, making his way through Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios despite plunging temperatures.

The 37-year-old decided to take on the challenge after losing a friend to cancer last year and following news that Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme had been diagnosed with the disease.

Nathan, who had tackled marathons in London, New York and Seattle before heading to Florida, added: "It was an honour and a privilege to run for such a fantastic cause and I look forward to continue working with Cure Leukaemia in the near future.

"Now on to the next challenge. Watch this space."

Birmingham-based blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia launched in 2003 to help patients across the region access new treatments.

The charity helped secure a £2.2m grant to build the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2005, which led to the development of the second largest adult stem cell transplant programme in the UK.