Wisbech runner Joe to tackle first London Marathon in aid of Alkaptonuria Society
Joe England is to run the 2017 London Marathon in aid of the Alkaptonuria Society. - Credit: Archant
Joe England is no stranger to a marathon, having tackled the 26.2-mile challenge in Lisbon and Stockholm in the last two years.
But the 25-year-old from Wisbech is about to embark on a run that is completely new to him – the famous London Marathon.
Joe is running the iconic road race to raise money for the Cambridge-based Alkaptonuria Society – a charity that supports sufferers of the rare condition which can cause significant damage to bone, cartilage and tissue.
Alkaptonuria affects just one in every 250,000 people, and causes early onset osteoarthritis, slowly destroying every joint in the body.
Joe, who has been running for around five years, was persuaded into running the race for the society by his friend, Robin, who works there.
You may also want to watch:
“Rob got a job at the charity and they were looking for someone to run the marathon for them,” Joe said.
“It’s going to be a good challenge. I haven’t actually done any training for it yet because I’ve had a knee injury but I suppose that adds a bit more drama to it!”
Most Read
- 1 Van crashes into pram, killing five month old baby
- 2 Dad's emotional tribute after baby son dies in A10 horror crash
- 3 Covid-19 numbers in Fenland higher than rest of county
- 4 Crash boy's mum says he's 'badly shaken but OK'
- 5 Stolen American-style fridge was lifted over 10ft security fence
- 6 Homeless champion delighted as young couple finally have shelter
- 7 First large-scale Cambs Covid-19 vaccination centres open this week
- 8 Ambulance charity first in East to transfer Covid-19 patients by air
- 9 Council books seven hotels and guest houses for homeless
- 10 Coroner records Wisbech teenager’s death as suicide
“I just hope my knee holds out. If I can do it above four-and-a-half hours that would be great.”
Joe is hoping to raise £1,500 for the Alkaptonuria Society, and is well one his way to achieving his goal with the race just 11 days away.
“Lots of my friends and family have donated so far and local businesses have been very generous,” he said.
“I’ve raised around £600 so far so we’re getting there.”
Joe will continue his year of sporting challenges by tackling three triathlons during the summer months.
• To donate, click here.
