Local Pair To Complete A Marathon A Month
'The Putney Gumps' have raised over £54,000 for four charities
A fundraising duo named ‘The Putney Gumps’ are preparing to complete their challenge of running a marathon a month during 2018. Johnnie Wraith and Adam Constable set themselves the challenge to raise £25,000 for charity, they’ve now more than doubled that with more than £54,000 donated.
This weekend, they will complete their final 26 miles – starting near Denham and arriving back in Putney on Saturday 1 December.
The cash they raise will be split between four charities – The Down’s Syndrome Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Johnnie with son Max
Johnnie explained,“Max, who is mine and Judie’s son, is a fun, energetic and happy 13-year-old with Down’s syndrome. Last year he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a new challenge which has brought a fast learning curve for us. The Down’s Syndrome Association has provided invaluable support over the years, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation continues to be at the forefront of making the lives of those with Type 1 easier.”
“Harriet, Adam and Lucy’s daughter had life-saving heart surgery at Great Ormond Street as a baby, having been born with Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage, and now leads a full and bouncy life. Maddie Turner, the young daughter of close family friends to the Constables, is an inspiration to those living with Cystic Fibrosis; and the CFT is leading the fight to find ways to make every day less of a struggle.”
The Down’s Syndrome Association said, “We are delighted that the ‘Putney Gumps’ chose us as one of their charities. We can’t believe Adam and Johnnie have raised so much money, it’s absolutely amazing. Our members and supporters are the backbone of the DSA as the money they raise allows us to continue supporting people with Down’s syndrome throughout their lives.”
The challenge has seen the pair tackle marathons in and around London, as well as Greece, France and New York.
This isn’t the first time the ‘Gumps’ have taken on a challenge. Two years ago Johnnie and Adam ran the London Marathon and followed it up – the weekend after – with the 100 mile Thames Path Challenge.
On Saturday, The Putney Gumps will start their final marathon near Denham and run along the Grand Union Canal, then along the Thames from around Richmond, then back to Putney.
November 29, 2018