A RUNNER from Lower Earley has completed a marathon challenge to raise money for a Motor Neurone Disease charity.
Last week, Nicki Farrell née Aitken joined a virtual team of six runners to run five marathons in five days (5in5) for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The foundation was set up by Scotland Rugby Union international player Doddie Weir OBE in November 2017, after he revealed that he is suffering from the disease. The number five in the charity’s name refers to his jersey number.
Nicki chose to take on the challenge because of the link My Name’5 Doddie has with memories of her father, who died 15 years ago.
“Both of my parents are Scottish and we were a rugby family,” she explains.
“I was born in Malawi and when we returned to the UK, my Dad and I used to travel up to Murrayfield during the time Doddie was a player to watch international matches.
“The connection with those memories is very special, I know that Dad will look down and be proud of me.”
She was approached to take on the challenge at the beginning of February by Stuart Thom, ambassador for the foundation and chief executive of the Royal Belfast Golf Club. He has raised more than £180,000 in four years through various events, with 5in5 currently on course to raise £30,000.
Nicki has always been sporty. She competed on the track at English Schools level and got into triathlon while studying sports science at Loughborough University. She made the switch to road running after graduating as it was easier to fit in around work. Her first marathon was in New York in 2001 and in 2003, she won the mass London Marathon race for her age group.
“My parents were so supportive and Dad made sure my results were included in Scottish Athletics ranking tables,” she says.
“I got in to ultra marathons during covid lockdowns through completing virtual challenges like Lands End to John O’Groats.
“And I had already entered the London to Brighton 100 kilometre ultra event in May, so when I took on this challenge I only had to adapt my training slightly.”
In order to mentally and physically prepare, Nicki built up to running between 70 and 80 miles per week over four consecutive days. She completed the challenge by running 26.2 miles around Lower Earley and surrounding areas every day from Saturday, March 12, to Wednesday, March 16.
Finishing at Dinton Pastures meant that her husband Gary and many of her club mates from Thames Valley Triathletes and Bracknell Road Runners could run with her.
She adds: “They have been great, many of them ran with me out on the roads and some came out to ring cow bells.
“We had lots of cake afterwards.”
The 5in5 team of six runners were thanked at a celebration meal held on St Patrick’s Day at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. It was hosted by sports presenter and Henley resident Chris Hollins, and attended by several ex-international rugby players.
“The meal really was really special, all of these famous people were paying tribute to us,” Nicky says.
“And Doddie joined by video link which was a really emotional moment.”
For more information, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Nicki5in5
