Pharma packaging specialist to run the London Marathon

The Special Care Baby Unit at Leighton Hospital is where Betteley’s youngest son spent the first week of his life there.

The money raised by Betteley, and others, is going to Leighton Hospital’s recently launched One in Eleven appeal, supporting the one every 11 of the 3,000 babies born in Mid Cheshire Hospitals each year requiring additional support.

Betteley said: ‘It all started back in March 2013 after running the Stafford 20-mile road race in a time of 02:05:00. I decided at that point to run the Blackpool Marathon, with the aim of clocking a ‘Good for Age’ qualifying time for this year’s London Marathon. This meant that I would have to run under 03:15:00. On April 7 last year, I completed the Blackpool Marathon in 03:00:07.

‘This started my focus on training straight away. By the end of 2013 I had run 2,200 miles over 339 runs. It does call for dedication: often two or even three runs per day, no matter what the weather, as well as some gym work five days a week, using weights to complement all the running, with the aim of keeping a balance between endurance and strength, and trying not to get injured through the impact running on joints and muscles. Added to that I cycle to work every day for some additional non-impact training.”’

For those planning to watch the London Marathon on April 13, Betteley will be wearing a bright orange vest with ‘Medica Packaging’ on the front and ‘Dave B’ on the back. His progress can also be tracked by following his race number 32032.

As an added incentive, his eldest son has already completed the Sport Relief Charity Swim raising almost £500. ‘I’ve got try and at least match that,’ said Betteley added.

Dave Betteley’s donation page can be found here