Richmond’s record-breaking Marathon Man has been named as an ambassador for one of the children’s charity he’s raised thousands of pounds for.
Dreams Come True announced that Rob Young, who has raised £80,000 for the charity, will represent the organisation which helps children and young people with serious and life-limiting conditions to fulfil a dream.
Head of marketing and fundraising at Dreams Come True, Sue Fowler, said that Rob illustrates just what the power of dreams can achieve.
She said: “We are so moved by Rob’s achievements. His energy knows no bounds and his infectious positivity rubs off wherever he goes.
KEEP ON RUNNING! Rob during one of his many races
“We are so proud to have Rob as an ambassador. He has overcome a very difficult childhood and gone on to achieve more than many people could hope to imagine.
“It goes to show what the power of a dream can achieve and through Rob’s commitment we are helping so many more children fulfil their dreams and passions – keep running Rob!”
Spurred on by a difficult and abusive childhood – along with a 20p bet with his wife to be that he couldn’t run a marathon – Rob went from 5km park runs to winner of the 5,000km U.S. transcontinental marathon series within 14 months.
KILTY PLEASURES: Rob runs in a kilt at his children’s request
In the last 12 months he has raised £200,000 for charity by breaking the world record for the most marathons run in a year – 370 in just 365 days – winning the prestigious Trans-con Race Across the USA (RAUSA) and breaking the record for long-distance non-stop running.
Instead of a taking a well-earned rest Rob now has plans to conquer more marathon mountains.
He will be attempting to beat the World Treadmill record for the most miles run on a treadmill in seven days, starting on September 4, and then will be flying to Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run where he will collect the torch travelling through the world for the Walk for Peace.
At the airport and on my way to Guernsey – Stoked to be taking part in epic 48 with 4 other crazy amazing people xx pic.twitter.com/aAfQmK6vUo
— Marathon Man UK (@MarathonMan_UK) September 2, 2015
He will run through most major cities in the UK clocking up 3000km in 25 day finishing in London where he’ll hand it over to be taken to Chicago for the US leg.
The route that @tango5tavy & I will be running. please come walk, jog or run with us around the UK starting 13th Sept pic.twitter.com/DZZI8RDiwI
— Marathon Man UK (@MarathonMan_UK) August 25, 2015
Rob Young said: “I am delighted to become an ambassador for Dreams Come True.
“I chose to support this wonderful charity when I started my marathon challenge in 2014 and since then I’ve got to know the whole team.
“I can tell you that they work incredibly hard to make amazing things happen for children with serious and life-limiting conditions – I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
Rob’s Medical Director, Dr. Courtney Kipps, assistant medical director of the London Marathon said: “Rob Young’s ability to run marathons day after day is astonishing. He is re-writing the textbooks.”
You can donate here.
Featured and inset picture courtesy of Chris Winter, with thanks
