Pair put best feet forward for charity

Pair put best feet forward for charity

23 January 2013

A KILLYLEAGH father and son are planning to recreate one of the world’s most iconic car rallies — on foot.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the world’s oldest motor rally and takes place in November. But Peter and Dylan Kelly are planning to 

complete the 100km journey on foot in May as part of a special fundraising challenge in aid of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The ‘London2Brighton Challenge’ aims to raise money for charities such as Make-A-Wish which gives people with life threatening illnesses, especially children, the chance to live out a dream.

The competitors in the car rally have a relatively comfortable journey but for Peter and Dylan the journey will be a more strenuous outing. The organisers have coined it as an ‘ultra marathon’ and tackling the speed challenge will be a test of both endurance and determination.

The pair will face an early start at 5am on May 25 and will have just 15 hours to complete the 62 mile marathon along with an estimated 3,000 other participants.

However. Peter and Dylan will have to walk quickly if they are to beat the fastest time last year of 11 hours and 26 minutes

But the duo are fired up and have already started training, aiming to be able to do 45-50 miles in a single session during their training cycle.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation UK has granted more than 8,400 magical wishes in the UK over more than 26 years, a record which inspired Dylan. “It allows people to get a chance to be happy, especially young children with life threatening illnesses,” he said.

Peter has organised fundraising by arranging an over 30’s and under 30’s golf day, raising £140 already. Dylan has already raising £350, with the La Mon Hotel contributing over £100. Both are eager to push the boundaries, however, and raise as much as possible, ‘

“The minimum is £400 each but obviously we want to raise more than that,” said Peter.

On the big day, father and son competition may kick in. “We may be competitive, but in a good way,” continued Peter. “I’m doing it because he wants me to do it.’

And Dylan already seems to be bitten by the fundraising bug and has his eyes set on another challenge.

“I would like to run the Belfast Marathon and raise more money for charity,” he said.