Marathon runner strides out to beat fundraising record

Andy McMenemy, 49, the son of a former soldier, will run the marathons on consecutive days in each of the 66 official UK cities to raise awareness and funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

The tour, called Challenge66, began in Leeds city centre yesterday as he started the first ultra-marathon, which is 31.07 miles – 5.5 miles longer than a standard marathon.

The experienced runner, who runs a business as an inspirational speaker and mentor, will not have a single day’s rest in his attempt to set a new Guinness world record, which currently stands at 52 marathons.

Mr McMenemy was joined at the launch by Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson, who lost both his legs and suffered other horrific injuries during an explosion in Helmand Province in 2006.

Lance Bombardier Parkinson, 26, of Doncaster, recently received a new pair of prosthetic legs which he is learning how to use.

He said: “I am doing really well at the moment and I am excited to be here. I’m proud of Andy for all he’s doing.

“I would like to join in with marathons when I can use my legs properly. I have only used them a little bit at the moment, but I am comfortable using them already.”

Students from Leeds University Officer Training Corps also offered their support.

Mr McMenemy, of Harrogate, said: “The support Challenge66 has received so far in the country is incredible, but we do need people to go to our website and donate to help us hit our target.”

Online donations can be made at www.challenge66.org.