A STUDENT from Ruislip will spend his 21st birthday running the London Marathon.
Paul Maddock has decided to forego the usual student celebrations of partying with his mates in favour of jogging 26 miles for charity.
Paul, of Woodside Close, Ruislip, studies sports science at Portsmouth University. Last year, he ran the 10-mile Great South Run, but has longed to complete the challenge of a marathon.
He will raise money in memory of his aunt, Sue Maddock, who died after a routine back operation in 2005 aged just 44.
“My auntie was a massively influential female figure in my life and treated me as her own son,” he said.
“She didn’t get to see me grow through the most important years of my life, which is why I decided to do something.
“I hope that I can make her proud of me and that she would be happy to see what I can achieve, as she is no longer able to see it first hand.”
Paul is currently juggling his marathon training with writing his degree dissertation, but he is determined to take part after previously failing to get a place.
This year, his milestone birthday will be marked by a milestone event, as he turns 21 on marathon day, April 21. Paul is asking people to sponsor him instead of giving him a birthday present.
The fitness enthusiast is raising money for BackCare UK, a charity which helps people who suffer with back pain.
“BackCare go relatively unnoticed,” he said. “That is surprising when you think that the spinal chord is so closely linked to an aspect of the human body that is so important, the central nervous system.”
Paul has already reached his sponsorship target of £1,500, but he hopes to make even more. To sponsor him, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulMaddock1.
