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Grandfather attempts 60 marathons in his 60th yearFriday 16 December
On Thursday 22 December, grandfather of two Barry Light celebrates his 60th birthday by beginning a personal challenge to run 60 marathons in 60 weeks – all to raise funds for charity. Barry will kick start his epic '60 in 60 at 60' challenge by joining together two of his favourite training routes in Bournemouth. He will be joined for the first 50 yards by grandchildren Henry, two, and six-month-old Thomas, with help from mum's Lucy and Karleh – Barry's daughters. His long term goal is to raise £60,000 for his favourite charities: WaterAid, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Wessex Autistic Society, Mosaic and TeamPB (a collaboration of Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer Care). Barbara Frost, WaterAid's Chief Executive, said: "Barry's support in raising both funds and awareness is hugely appreciated. It costs WaterAid as little as £15 to enable one person to access a lasting supply of safe water to drink and a decent toilet, so this challenge will really make a significant difference to the people we work with across Africa and Asia. We wish Barry all the very best in his extraordinary marathon effort." Having run 29 marathons since taking part in the London Marathon in 2008, Barry, who together with his daughter Karleh operates online businesses including MyRunningStore.com, is ready for the challenge. He said: "Only time will tell if I can complete this, but I'm very determined to succeed and going to give it everything I've got." From Bournemouth, he will go on to tackle Liverpool's Liverbird Double Marathon on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, before continuing his extraordinary effort over 15 months, setting his sights on five world, 15 European and 40 UK-based marathons. The Academy of Performance Coaching, Bournemouth University, has been monitoring Barry's training, and has declared him fit for the challenge. Barry will be tested again after 30 weeks and then again at the end of the challenge to measure the impact on his body. Barry has also won backing from local water supply company Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW). Roger Harrington, SBW's Managing Director, said: "Barry has set himself a tough target, but one which I am sure he will achieve. It's great that he will be supporting WaterAid. "The charity will use the money he raises to further its excellent work in providing water and sanitation in parts of the world where people have very little in the way of basic services. We are pleased to support Barry and wish him every success in his challenging venture."
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