SPECIAL CHARITY FOOTBALL RUN FOR TWO ‘BOBBY LEGENDS’

Paul Smith, 52 from Sherburn Hill, Durham, has run every single day since 1st January 2007.

Paul Smith runningHis ‘run streak’ is now 3,000 days long and today he celebrated reaching this personal milestone with a very special, football-themed charity run.

Raising funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, Paul ran an incredible 30 miles around the centre circle on Consett AFC’s football pitch.

Supported by family, friends and representatives of the two charities, Paul ran for 5 hours 6 minutes, in glorious sunshine, at the Belle Vue Stadium and completed 848 laps dressed as England World Cup legend, Bobby Moore.

He changed direction every mile or so to help combat dizziness but still found the challenge very tough.

Paul says: “This was my personal tribute to two great football ‘Bobbys’ and a chance to do something to help their cancer charities too.

“It was hard and I just had to get my head down and get on with it. The last three miles were especially difficult and I slowed down a bit then.

“I’m just so pleased to have successfully done it. I’d love to raise £1,966 for the charities, that’s my aim, and I’m so happy to get the run under my belt. It’s been a great day.”

Paul has previously run to support adderall online reviews other local and national charities including a run between all the region’s football league grounds, which raised £4,100 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the Finlay Cooper Fund.

Liz and Paul 2Liz Luff, from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, says: “I ran about a mile on the pitch with Paul and that was more than enough for me.

“It’s really difficult just to run in circles like that. I take my hat off to him for finishing all 30 miles.

“We’re very grateful to Paul and to everyone who has supported his efforts. It’s a great achievement and a memorable way to celebrate running for 3,000 consecutive days.”

Mark Bell, facilities manager at Consett AFC, says: “Paul’s a huge Hartlepool United fan and we both know Mickey Barron, who played and coached there.

“Mickey rang me up with what he said was a strange request and he wasn’t wrong. It is pretty strange asking if someone can run around your centre circle for hours.

“But as soon as we heard why Paul was doing the run we were pleased to help. Everyone at Consett AFC would like to congratulate him on completing the 30 miles for two fantastic charities.”

Paul Smith 2To sponsor Paul, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/lordsmythe1908 and you can follow him on Twitter via @LordSmythe.