Running just like Eddie

Comedian and actor Eddie Izzard proved his determination to battle through pain and complete the Mid Wales section of his 1,000-mile plus Sport Relief run across Britain.

Cheered on by surprised motorists and residents of towns and villages on his gruelling run from Llanbadarn Ffynnyn to Welshpool yesterday, Eddie had hoped to complete his 12th marathon in a fortnight in four hours.

But severe blisters on his little toe forced him at one point down to a walk, every step agony until he could receive painkillers from his support team.

He has challenged himself to run across the UK by doing up to 30 miles a day for six days a week taking in London, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh then back to London.

He said he had no hesitation in saying yes when Sport Relief asked him if he wanted to do a challenge.

He said: "I had always wanted to do a big physical running challenge, and this seemed a great way to do it and also raise money to help Africa and the poorest countries in the world, as well as projects that Sport Relief fund in the UK.

"I was also going to be advised by Olympic experts who have worked with Sport Relief before. They would help me keep running in the right direction."

But he admitted that his little toe was causing him pain and worry.

"I will carry on, I will do it. But when the painkillers wear off it is like a pin stabbing my foot every step," he added.

"I just hope everyone will hear about the run and sponsor me on the Sport Relief donation page."

Holding a Welsh flag and making five-mile stops for water and to receive treatment for his injured foot, Eddie ran through Newtown and then on to Berriew, where he made an impromptu stop at the Horseshoes pub to talk to waiting supporters and enjoy a lemonade.

Bar manager Jim Horton said: "When we heard Eddie was coming the whole pub emptied. I am a huge fan so I locked the till and went out.

"I am even more of a fan now, what he is doing is amazing I couldn't do it."

A small group of Ellesmere runners joined Eddie for just over four miles until he reached Berriew.

Will Morris and Melvyn Austin said they were concerned for him running along the busy A483 trunk road. They said: "We did have some hairy moments with the traffic but Eddie was running really strongly until his injury started slowing him down."

Last week runners from Builth Wells joined him on part of his 10th marathon run.

By Sue Austin