A Leigh teenager who was diagnosed with an incurable bladder disease is mid-way through his daunting challenge of running 140 miles in just ONE week.
Matthew Gough was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis just a year ago, and aims to complete the mammoth distance to raise money for the Bladder and Bowel Foundation.
And so far the 19-year-old has already exceeded his planned £500 target and will now be hoping to collect £1000 by the time he finishes.
He has been publically backed by local MP Andy Burnham, and will also hope to raise awareness about the condition as well as money during his run.
Matthew began his coast to coast crusade from Whitehaven to Tynemouth on Saturday July 19 and ran a testing 21 miles on the first of seven gruelling days.
He composed a tweet later to share his thoughts claiming that ‘today was very tough’ and encouraged people to ‘keep giving generously’.
Matthew was back on twitter the following day to share his next heroic run posting ‘36 miles down, 104 to go’ along with a snap of him in his running gear.
36 miles down 104 to go. Please keep raising awareness and donating at http://t.co/BnbrVpsypG @andyburnhammp pic.twitter.com/eFBrMFlsQN
— Matthew Gough (@MatthewGough8) July 20, 2014
On day three the UCLAN student was in high spirits and shared with his followers that ‘the sun’s out and the scenery is beautiful’ while still encouraging donations from generous advocates as his total currently stands at £648.
53 miles down 87 to go. Please keep raising awareness and giving generously at http://t.co/BnbrVpsypG @andyburnhammp pic.twitter.com/POhBrugJEV
— Matthew Gough (@MatthewGough8) July 21, 2014
As of this morning Matthew once again tweeted to suggest that today’s expedition may be the most gruelling he has faced with 87 miles left.
As he took in the surroundings he posted ‘a hot, steep, long day but look at that view’.
Day 4. A hot, steep, long day but look at the view. Please keep donating at http://t.co/BnbrVpsypG @andyburnhammp pic.twitter.com/bdVWQnhr50
— Matthew Gough (@MatthewGough8) July 22, 2014
To sponsor Matthew as he takes part in his gruelling endeavour visit his Just Giving page by clicking here.
Image via twitter, with thanks
