OLD school chums from Stratford are taking on a mammoth run in memory of a late friend and young athlete.
The group of former King Edward VI Stratford (KES) pupils is aiming to complete the equivalent of six marathons in 24 hours, instead of their annual pub crawl reunion, this weekend.
The group decided to raise money for mental health charity Mind, after their school friend Zak McMorran lost his life in October.
The dedicated young sportsman represented KES on the sports field as well as excelling in rugby up to county level.
Group member James Lees explained: “Our good friend, Kieran McMorran, very sadly lost his younger brother in tragic circumstances last month. So in loving memory of Zak, 13 of us are challenging ourselves to run a half marathon relay through Stratford.
“We’re raising money for the mental health in sport charity Sporting Minds UK, to give hope and support to Zak’s family and other young athletes who are having a difficult time.”
Sporting Minds UK founder Callum Lea said: “What James and friends are doing for us in memory of Zak, himself a talented young sportsman who is so much missed, is just fantastic and very much welcomed. It’s a fact that those with existing mental health conditions are struggling more than usual, while many who have never experienced mental health issues before are experiencing anxieties for the first time. We know this from the many calls for support we have received from young sportspeople over our first year. This pre Christmas fundraising challenge will go a long way to help us to help others.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/24hourhalfmarathonrelay to donate to the fund-raiser.
