Michael Bowers is set to run two half marathons to fundraise for, and raise awareness of, the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Michael Bowers (pictured far left) has challenged himself to run two half marathons across two cities on consecutive weeks in October in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Readers may recognise Michael from his recent stage outing as The Scarecrow in the Jewish Theatre Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
The Whitefield resident has two planned events at the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London on 8th October and the Manchester Half Marathon on 15th October.
Michael said of his fundraising challenge: “I have recently caught the running bug and, after having had such a positive and emotionally-charged experience at the Great Manchester Run 10K event, I wanted to combine my love of running with doing something positive to help other people.
“I am sure it’s going to be painful doing the events so close to each other,” he continued, “however, my plan is to have lots of ice baths, a sports massage and plenty of rest before part two in Manchester.”
Michael is named after Michael Showman, the late husband of his aunt, Bernice, who died of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) when he was just 37 years old.
He commented: “Although I did not meet my uncle, I do know that he was an extremely active and sport loving man and I am proud to be named after him. I have been training hard and feel very lucky that I am fit and well enough to do this tough challenge in his memory. I just hope that we can raise enough funds to help make the lives of MND sufferers and their families a little more comfortable.”
Michael will be accompanied on the challenge by his cousin’s husband, Adam Green (pictured far right) who recently completed the National Three Peaks Challenge and has so far raised more than £8,000 in support of the same charity.
Adam stated: “I am really excited to be taking on this new challenge with Michael. He is a hugely talented and dedicated runner and I am confident that his enthusiasm and the generosity of all our donors will carry us both across the line.”
For more information on MND, visit Mndassociation.org. To donate in support of Michael and Adam, visit Uk.virginmoneygiving.com/tea/LondonHalfmarathonMND.