A DETERMINED Malvern man has vowed to defy a doctor’s prediction he would never run again by competing in this year’s London marathon.
Just six months ago Arthur Lockyear was struck down by Deep Vain Thrombosis (DVT) after completing the Great North Run and was admitted to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
After receiving treatment he was discharged but left house-bound and unable to walk for several weeks. He was told by doctors it was unlikely he would ever run again.
But the Colwall resident has refused to accept this and has worked to get back on his feat again and recently started running short distances.
Now he has his eyes set on the 26.2 mile course in London just a few weeks away on April 13.
Mr Lockyear is hoping to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity following the death of Jon Brookes, the drummer of his favourite band The Charlatans.
The Malvern Joggers club member was in fact due to attend a benefit concert for the charity but had to cancel when his debilitating injury set in.
But now he hopes to make a considerably larger contribution to the cause setting a target of £5,000.
Mr Lockyear said: “Having run the Great North Run in 2013 with a back problem that turned into Deep Vein Thrombosis, this will be my first marathon after the injury, it won’t be my quickest but I’m sure it will be the toughest.”
Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, has given his backing to the Malvern man’s effort and is promoting the campaign on his own Twitter feed.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/Arthur26 or text ‘Arty69 £5’ to 70070.
