A keen runner has given a unique twist to the usual marathon fundraiser by completing the 26.2 miles on a treadmill inside a capsule on the rotating London Eye.
David Greenwood, who lives in Stevenage, has worked at the famous London landmark for eight years - first as a team leader, and then progressing to business manager for the hospitality, river and pier department.
Having now secured a job at the London Stadium - home to the London 2012 Olympics - David wanted to take on the marathon challenge as a special way of saying farewell to the London Eye.
The 34-year-old, who has completed two standard marathons in the past, said: “I’ve always wanted to put a treadmill in one of the London Eye capsules and run a marathon, and as I’m going to be leaving the business soon I thought it was now or never.”
David completed the marathon last Wednesday in 3 hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds, which took six-and-a-half rotations of the wheel and was 30 minutes faster than his previous personal best.
A thoroughly delighted David said after the run: “The encouragement from my colleagues, the amazing views and the cheers from our guests every time the capsule passed the boarding platform definitely helped...That or the altitude!”
He has raised £750 for the children’s charity Merlin’s Magic Wand, which was formed by Merlin Entertainments to help provide magical experiences for seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged children by arranging days out at attractions owned by the company, such as Legoland resorts, Sea Life Centres, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye.
David said: “I’ve spent a lot of time raising funds for Merlin’s Magic Wand over the years I’ve worked at the London Eye, and I wanted to do something extra special for them as it’s their 10th birthday this year.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complete a marathon 443 feet above the Thames and it’s great I even beat my personal best for a marathon.”
You can still support David by making a donation to Merlin’s Magic Wand via his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/runtheeye.
For more about the charity, visit www.merlinsmagicwand.org
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