Worksop dad pulls off 26-day duathlon challenge for Alzheimer’s charity – smashing his fundraising target
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Adrian Hopkinson, 32, took on the challenge in memory of his wife’s grandfather Ron Hale - who suffered with the condition before his death aged 72.
Electrical sales manager Adrian put a 5km run, a 20km bike ride and a 2.5km run under his belt every day as part of the testing physical ordeal.
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He chose to do 26 duathlons in recognition of the cancelled London Marathon - leaving charities like the Alzheimer’s Society with a drop-off in income from fundraising.
Novice athlete Adrian - who set a fundraising goal of £200 when he began - said he was ‘amazed’ at the generosity of Worksop people.
The chuffed dad was also approached by local businesses - who donated prizes for a raffle draw.
He hopes the money raised from selling 119 tickets will see his final amount well over the £2,000 mark.
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Tired Adrian gave a special thanks to Crank Works bike repairs - who repaired a bike wheel on the penultimate day of his taxing feat.
Though he admitted struggling with fatigue Adrian told how he found a second wind around the half-way point.
Adrian said: “I’ve had a lot of support from local businesses - without them it would never have got to the level it’s at.
“I also had a lot of support from local people following my progress - which got me through the tough days.
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“I could see donations coming in through notifications while I was cycling and that really helped me keep going.”
On average Adrian was finishing the 20km bike ride in about 40 minutes or just over and the 5km run in around 20 minutes throughout the daunting effort.
However amazingly on day 24 he pulled off record times of just over 36 minutes and 18 minutes and 44 seconds.
Adrian told the Guardian how he decided on the Alzheimer's Society because ‘it’s just a great charity’ and in memory of grandfather Ron - who died in 2015.
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To see a list of the businesses who donated click HERE. To make a donation to Adrian’s fundraising page click HERE.