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| 'Forrest Gump' completes 42 back-to-back marathons | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A man has completed 42 back-to-back marathons – while dressed as Forrest Gump. | A man has completed 42 back-to-back marathons – while dressed as Forrest Gump. |
| Ewan Gordon, 42, from Oxfordshire, copied the popular film character by growing out his hair and beard to complete the 1,050-mile challenge in memory of nine-year-old Thomas Laurie who died last year. | Ewan Gordon, 42, from Oxfordshire, copied the popular film character by growing out his hair and beard to complete the 1,050-mile challenge in memory of nine-year-old Thomas Laurie who died last year. |
| Thomas suffered from Cockayne Syndrome – a rare premature ageing disease – which is known to affect just 100 youngsters in the UK. | Thomas suffered from Cockayne Syndrome – a rare premature ageing disease – which is known to affect just 100 youngsters in the UK. |
| Mr Gordon, a civil servant, ran about 26 miles each day (42km) – the equivalent of a marathon a day – for 42 days, from John O’Groats to Land’s End. | Mr Gordon, a civil servant, ran about 26 miles each day (42km) – the equivalent of a marathon a day – for 42 days, from John O’Groats to Land’s End. |
| He said he was inspired to adopt the quirky persona following a bet when a friend said he would sponsor Mr Gordon more money for his charity run if he did. | He said he was inspired to adopt the quirky persona following a bet when a friend said he would sponsor Mr Gordon more money for his charity run if he did. |
| In the 1994 Oscar-winning film, the title character – played by Tom Hanks – ran across America, attracting a group of followers along the way. | In the 1994 Oscar-winning film, the title character – played by Tom Hanks – ran across America, attracting a group of followers along the way. |
| On arriving at Land’s End, western Cornwall, yesterday, Mr Gordon said he was “delighted” to have finished and added: “I haven't got a single blister – your body just gets used to running that far every day. | On arriving at Land’s End, western Cornwall, yesterday, Mr Gordon said he was “delighted” to have finished and added: “I haven't got a single blister – your body just gets used to running that far every day. |
| Tom Hanks starred in the 1994 film which won six Oscars, including Best Actor for Hanks | Tom Hanks starred in the 1994 film which won six Oscars, including Best Actor for Hanks |
| “People just think it’s really funny and a lot of people just shout: ‘Run, Forrest, run!’,” he said. | “People just think it’s really funny and a lot of people just shout: ‘Run, Forrest, run!’,” he said. |
| Thomas’ mum, Catherine Laurie, described how Mr Gordon had been a ‘great support’ while Thomas was ill and said: “Although him doing the run as Forrest Gump is great, it has got serious side too. | Thomas’ mum, Catherine Laurie, described how Mr Gordon had been a ‘great support’ while Thomas was ill and said: “Although him doing the run as Forrest Gump is great, it has got serious side too. |
| “He is supporting the charities that supported us and we are so happy that he is carrying on Thomas’ legacy in a positive way. | “He is supporting the charities that supported us and we are so happy that he is carrying on Thomas’ legacy in a positive way. |
| “We are so very proud of Ewan and totally humbled by his fundraising in memory of Thomas.” | “We are so very proud of Ewan and totally humbled by his fundraising in memory of Thomas.” |
| Mr Gordon has, so far, raised almost £9,000 and the money will go towards Helen and Douglas House, Lifelights, Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters and Amy and Friends, which supports children with the condition Thomas had. | Mr Gordon has, so far, raised almost £9,000 and the money will go towards Helen and Douglas House, Lifelights, Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters and Amy and Friends, which supports children with the condition Thomas had. |