Brummie Andy Craddock will complete ten consecutive marathons this summer in his wheelchair
Wheelchair user Andy Craddock is hoping to raise awareness and motivation in his ‘hardest’ challenge yet(Image: Robson McCallister/BirminghamLive)
A local hero spoke to BirminghamLive about his ‘hardest’ challenge yet as he prepares to complete ten marathons in ten days in his wheelchair.
Andy Craddock is no stranger to challenges, and last year, he completed 100km in 24 hours around the city for a Birmingham charity.
The same charity, Help Harry Help Others, will be one of ten organisations Andy is sending donations towards as part of his journey this summer.
Read More: Strictly Come Dancing star names his three favourite things about Birmingham
Although the routes are not set in stone for the marathons, the ten locations are confirmed.
From July 7-16, Andy will complete a marathon in Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Portsmouth, Brighton and London.
The marathon challenge will see Andy visit ten English cities to raise money for charity(Image: Andy Craddock)
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Andy said: “This is probably the hardest one I’ve ever thought about, everybody has called me bonkers for it.
“It will be hard work, and once I’ve done the first one in Birmingham, i will see how I feel.
“There will be a lot of mental toughness and I need that support around me.
“Fortunately, I’ve been given a physio from MoveWell at the University of Birmingham who will be with me the entire trip.
“I’ve got a driver set up for me too, there’s a lot of thought in this challenge because there has to be.
“We’re looking at starting each marathon at 6am and expect it to last between six to eight hours. Then it’s the process of travelling, getting to the hotel, eating and starting again the next morning.”
Whilst the 57-year-old can walk, Andy’s mobility has become limited due to a progressive condition called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD).
The incurable disease leads to muscle weakness and joint pain which can lead to a fatal cardiac arrest for the man from Acocks Green.
This means Andy will be completing the ten marathons in his wheelchair and he spoke about the motivational reason behind the challenge.
Andy added: “It supports the disabled community and shows you can thrive, achieve and develop.
“I’m doing this to thrust inspiration into people’s laps and hope people understand more about disabilities, conditions and barriers that people face.
“When you’re born with a disability, or acquire one, it becomes a case of a continuous fight.
“Rather than get on with life, it can become a way of coping and surviving and some people get told they can’t play sport anymore.
“I’m raising awareness to show anything is possible and you can achieve whatever you want.”
To donate to Andy’s JustGiving page ahead of his marathon challenge, you can click here for more information.