A Burnham-On-Sea man hopes to raise £14,000 to help his passion of running for charities.
Toby French has been a double below-the-knee amputee since birth, but recently began running in an effort to become healthier.
The 28-year-old currently uses prosthetic legs to walk and run but with half marathons being planned, Toby would love specialist running blades.
Toby told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “My goal is to fund raise £14,000 for a pair of running blades. This means I will be able to run longer and further.”
“I have been trying to get active for a long time on the legs I have at the moment but these are holding me back when it comes to running.”
Toby said he always believed in being fit but for some reason never got into it and adds that fitness has become his hobby and that he wants to motivate others too.
“I want to get to a point where I can take part in half marathons, tough mudders and other fundraising events,” he says.
“The primary charity I want to fundraise for is COPS (Care Of Police Survivors) and I am due to take part in Bristol Tough Mudder 5K on May 19th, which is more of a personal thing.”
“I want to use that to help fundraise towards the blades. If I get over my target i will give the extra to COPS.”
Care Of Police Survivors is a registered charity that supports families of police officers who have lost their lives while on duty.
He says that he recently started with local personal trainer Sonny Topham and has attempted a 5k run, which he completed in 48 mins.
Toby explained that running on his current legs is ‘difficult and painful’ since the sleeve system that holds them on can tear very easily – whereas the running blades are designed to absorb more of the impact during running and would feel more comfortable.
To support Toby, see his JustGiving page by clicking here.
