“Michael is superhuman” – Ford nears finish line of length of UK challenge
The off-season is always a popular time for those within the football community to complete physical challenges to raise money for charity and Michael Ford is near the end of his.
The former Slimbridge and Bishops Cleeve man is currently in Cornwall, having run from John O’Groats all the way down to Land’s End, where he is due to finish on Friday. The approximate 1000 mile journey also saw Ford climb the Three Peaks along the way.
Ford started at John O’Groats on 12 May and has been joined throughout the journey by friends and supporters – including the likes of Ethan Dunbar and Will Hawes.
At the time of writing, Ford has passed his £5000 target, as he looks to raise funds for two charities – The Hike With Mike Foundation & Lymphoma Action.
From his JustGiving page, Ford says:
Hike With Mike is a charity set up by a good friend who lost two of his close friends through suicide during lock down; one who took his own life while being on the NHS waiting list. Mike’s charity work can now source and fund 6 private counselling sessions within 24 hours of getting in touch with him.
My mum was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma three years ago. Chemo and radiotherapy were effective but follicular lymphoma usually comes back and mum will need more treatment at some point. Not everyone is as as fortunate as me and my family, so I want to do all I can to help those people.
Ahead of Ford’s final push, Severn Sport spoke to his supporting team about how he is faring ahead of a big 24 hours and they said the following:
“Michael has shown incredible strength and determination on his epic challenge. He has finished most days looking as fresh as if he’d been for a run around the park!
The support of friends who have ran and biked alongside have definitely lifted him and it was lovely to see so many happy faces along the way!
Michael is superhuman!”
For more information about Ford’s journey and to donate to his JustGiving page, please click here
To follow Ford’s journey in its final stages, follow him on Instagram @MBFord98
