A community-spirited Ruddington businessman is swapping three wheels for two legs to take on the ultimate challenge this spring – running the 2023 London Marathon!
Jon Lee, owner of National Car Finder on Easthorpe Street, began his training last July and has regularly been seen pounding the streets of Ruddington (and beyond) ever since – as he prepares himself mentally and physically for the 26.2 mile run around some of the capital’s most famous landmarks on Sunday April 23rd.
“Many will know I enjoy playing cricket and watching football – but I wouldn’t call myself a runner!” admits Jon. “Most people think I’m joking when I tell them, but I am actually really excited about doing the London Marathon. I have set myself a challenge. I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doing it for an amazing cause. I have been accepted to run – and will be raising money for The Bodie Hodges Foundation.”
The Bodie Hodges Foundation was formed in 2012, to support families who have been bereaved of a child of any age and to promote organ donation. Their vision is to give hope to families bereaved of a child by providing a range of services that support grieving families and encourage them to rebuild and remember.
So far, Jon’s fitness regime has included running across San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge (during a visit last October!) and completing the Draycote Water Half Marathon with training partner Martin Molloy last November. He is aiming to raise a further £3000 for the Bogie Hodges Foundation this year and has set up a Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jon-lee11 where online sponsorship and donations are being gratefully received.
Before the London Marathon, Jon is also inviting villagers along to two other fundraising events, right here in Ruddington, to help boost the total. Firstly…
“Join National Car Finder for our ‘Charity Golf Day’ at Ruddington Grange Golf Club on Friday March 24th raising funds for the fabulous Bodie Hodges Foundation” he says. “There’ll be great golf, great food, great entertainment, great sponsorship opportunities, a great auction and raffle prizes. More details are still to be announced but you can register your interest now by calling me on 0115 9846111 or emailing jon@nationalcarfinder.co.uk.”
Secondly, for non-golfers, there’s to be a charity ‘Dinner & Quiz’ night at The Ruddington Arms on Tuesday 18th April – again with exact details to be confirmed.
Once further information is available we’ll let you know here at RUDDINGTON.info and/or by sharing on our social media.
