Inspired by the meningitis struggle of one of his closest friends, Paul Apps has decided to go all out to raise money to help fight the disease
Already ticked off his list is his first ever marathon – but obviously a glutton for punishment, Paul also has two mega bike rides in his sites.
On 12 May, Paul will be saddling up for the Velo Birmingham and Midlands 100 and will follow this up in August with the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 (which is, for anyone interested, another 100 miles of peddling!).
Most of us feel tired just reading about these distances!
Paul, who lives in Burton on Trent, in Staffordshire, said the marathon – which he did in Manchester in early April – was not easy. “Boy was that tough,” he said.
“I had been training for four months but still took 5 hours and 11 minutes.” Doesn’t sound bad to us, Paul – at least you finished it!
Now he’s in training for his first cycle ride and explained how he was inspired to take on his three fundraisers after friend Tes Ludlow fell ill with viral meningitis in 2017. Read Tes' story here.
“I was aware of the impact meningitis could have on children, having several little ones of my own,” Paul told us.
“But I was not aware of the massive impact on the health of adults until one of our closest friends faced viral meningitis."
“Tes had some great support from Meningitis Now during a real struggle with meningitis. Hopefully my efforts will raise some funds to thank you for what you did for Tes and to help in a small way with all the work you do.”
We wish you luck Paul - and hope you don’t get too saddle sore!
To donate to Paul’s fundraiser, please visit his Just Giving page.
