Wisbech runner Joe to tackle first London Marathon in aid of Alkaptonuria Society

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.

“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!”

“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.

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