MANY will think that Barnsley runner Joe Worthington is absolutely mad for completing marathons in specialist sandals - but he’s helped raise more than £35,000 for a charity extremely close to his heart with his crazy missions.
The 46-year-old from Brierley has always been a keen runner but after his wife, Debbie, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago he decided to help raise money while doing what he loves.
And for the last decade he’s being doing exactly that, raising more than £35,000 for the MS Trust in the process.
But he’s currently in the middle of completing his hardest challenge yet - seven marathons in seven days before completing the London Marathon this Sunday in ‘barefoot sandals’.
Joe told the Chronicle: “This year is 20 years since my wife Debbie was diagnosed with MS.
“We’ve raised £35,000 over the last ten years and I’ve been doing quite a lot of running.
“This is my hardest challenge yet - seven marathons in seven days and then a rest day before the London Marathon.”
Joe started his challenge on Saturday, setting off from his home in Brierley, running through Rabbit Ings to Newmillerdam before heading back to Wintersett and finishing in Nostell.
But he didn’t stop there, despite the mammoth trek Joe then completed the Nostell Park Run.
Joe, who is a member of the Ackworth Road Runners, then completed five more local runs - including the ‘Higham Hurtle’ yesterday.
But his fundraising doesn’t stop there and he’s set to complete the seventh marathon today - this time in London.
He added: “Friday’s could be fun as we’ll be in London.
“I’ll be running from the London Eye, to collect my number at the Expo.
“I’ve planned a route taking in quite a few parks to stay away from the roads, but I don’t know the route so no idea how this will work on the day.”
He’s taking a deserved break tomorrow - but not for long as he gears up for the biggest challenge of the lot, competing the London Marathon in barefoot sandals.
The footwear he’s chosen are minimal and designed to allow your feet to move and flex naturally, as if you were walking barefoot.
“I wanted to do something a little bit different,” he added.
“I completed the Barcelona Half Marathon in them earlier this year and there’s just a little bit of padding in them, but no real protection.
“I really want the challenge - I think I’m a bit in denial about how it’s going to go.”
Joe’s already raised almost £2,500 during the fundraiser, which brings the total he has raised for the MS Trust to more than £37,000.
He added: “Yes I’m mad, but want to make it a challenge that will hopefully raise as much as possible for the MS Trust.
“So why not take on the biggest thing I’ve tried.
“We wanted to say thank you for the support over the last 20 years, and as Debbie ran the London Marathon a couple of years ago, I guess it’s my turn again.”
To donate to the fundraiser, follow the link on the Barnsley Chronicle website.
