Marathon man Jack completes epic challenge for charity

Curzon Ashton coach Jack Salkeld says he’s overwhelmed by the support shown from family and friends after completing the Oulton Park Marathon in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.

Jack, a first team coach and junior manager at the club, completed what he described as ‘the hardest challenge of his life’, in a bid to raise vital funds for the Ashton-based charity.

Jack was joined throughout the the 26.2 mile race by his close friends, Danny Harrison, Steve Siddall, Pete Siddall and Paul Siddall. The brothers mother, Janet, was cared for by the hospice during her final days in November 2013. The support she received during that period didn’t go unnoticed, and the brothers were determined to show their gratitude and thanks by raising funds to help the hospice, which provides specialist palliative care for patients with life limiting illnesses, both cancer and non-cancer diagnosis.

After being made aware of the challenge and approached by the brothers to take part in the marathon, Jack happily obliged and started an intense training schedule that lasted nine weeks.

As well as pounding the pavements, clocking up the miles and pushing his body to the limit, Jack supplemented his training regime with a nutritious diet plan that included a good mix of carbohydrates and protein.

However, despite preparing as best as he could, Jack was faced with an extra challenge on the day of the race, with the recent snow storms and blisteringly cold winds lashing his body with a few miles to go. He battled throughout the elements and crossed the finish line in 3 hours 55 minutes.

Speaking to Reporter Sport, Jack said: “We started out with blue skies, but as the day and run progressed the snow came from nowhere, so it was very cold for us all. However, it didn’t really affect me or the lads and it helped in a way, as it took our mind off the running as we only had a couple laps to go.

“Preparations for the race were good overall. Like I said at the start of training, nine weeks was always going to be a big ask but myself and the lads dug deep when we had to. We all got little strains and niggles, but we recovered well and went through the pain barrier.”

As he strode towards the finish line with his body racked in pain, Jack was given a major boost in energy upon seeing his friends and loved ones. “When I could see the finish line I could hear and see my partner Charlotte, my mum and dad, and the other lads families and that just gave me a boost to complete it. When I finally crossed the line I was very emotional and very tired. It’s such a massive achievement and I think it just got to me.

“I’m just happy that I could help Steve, Pete and Paul out, and thankful that they asked me to. The comments about Janet on the JustGiving page goes to show how much of a kind, loving, strong person she was. She would be proud of all three of them."

Jack and his friends efforts have so far raised over £5,000 for Willow Wood - a fitting tribute to Janet. He celebrated the achievement with a few beers and a meal at Pinocchio’s in Ashton.

However, he won’t be resting for too long and plans on tackling the Manchester Marathon at some point.

You can donate to the cause via the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jsiddall