A KIND-HEARTED Evesham dad is celebrating after tackling the Great North Run dressed as a Peperami.
Mark Creed took on the gruelling 13.1mile half-marathon on Sunday, September 13 in Newcastle, raising more than £1,000 for Ambitious About Autism.
The dedicated 49-year-old had been training for months around the Vale and had run the Cheltenham half-marathon and the London Four Parks half-marathon in preparation.
Mr Creed had also held several charity events to gain sponsorship and shared the money raised with the Autism Base at Pershore High School – which the keen runner manged to raise £500 for from the marathon.
“Back in January when I had confirmation of my place in the Great North Run I decided to raise money for Ambitious About Autism and the special needs base at Pershore High School, as my son Ian is autistic and attends school there,” said Mr Creed.
“Having seen the teaching and support staff at the base I was aware all the reward equipment was well used and they had no school funds to improve or replace them, so after plenty of training and a huge favour from a family member, I was loaned the 7ft peperami costume and travelled to Newcastle.
“After two miles into the race I was soaked in sweat under the 24 degree sun and Mo Farah had already crossed the finish line!
“But I finally crossed the line myself after three hours, four minutes and 50 seconds, thrilled but soar from all the pats on the back after running all that way,” he added.
Visit www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk for more information on the charity.
