John O’Groats to Lands End run for the Adam Stansfield Foundation
Former Exeter City footballer Barry McConnell runs 1,000 miles in just one month
(40 marathons in 30 days)
On 1st June 2011, former Exeter City Footballer, Barry McConnell, will begin his 1,000 mile run from John O’Groats to Lands End in aid of the Adam Stansfield Foundation.
This charity was established in memory of the late Exeter City, Hereford United and Yeovil Town legend, Adam Stansfield, who sadly lost his battle with Bowel Cancer last year leaving behind his wife and three young children. The Foundation’s official aim is for the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for the benefit of children and young people up to the age of 16 residing in Devon, Herefordshire and Somerset by the provision of grants and facilities for playing football, a cause that was very close to Adam’s heart and likewise Barry’s.
He will be accompanied on his month long journey by his Mum, Mary and Brother Dave, who will be driving the route between each of the 29 stop off points providing moral support, together with additional kit and supplies. Barry intends to finish his run on 28th June 2011 at the famous signpost signalling the furthest point of Lands End.
‘This is something that I have always wanted to do since breaking my leg many years ago. I used to run for the County and Exeter Harriers when I was younger and running has always been a passion of mine and something that I was good at. When Adam died I wanted to do something in his memory and to benefit others, so I chose to run it for the Foundation. I approached the Foundation with the idea of what I wanted to do and together we got the ball rolling. Training has been going well and I am the fittest that I have ever been.’
Barry’s current football Club Truro has been very supportive of his run, even allowing him to miss the first two weeks of their pre-season training. Barry stated, ‘I don’t really think that the pre-season running sessions that I would be doing quite compare to this!’
‘There is one massive thank you that I have to mention and that is to my work Commercial Ceilings Factors. They have not only given me this vast amount of time off work to undertake the challenge, but have also sponsored me a considerable amount. It is for this reason, the Foundation and all of the support that I have been receiving from the public that I am determined to complete this!’
‘Several of the Stansfield family, friends and Trustees of the Foundation are going to be joining me on the final leg of this journey, which will give me a real lift in getting to the finish.’
Accommodation along the route has kindly been provided free of charge or at discounted rates by hotels and guesthouses approached by the Foundation.
The response from one hotel in Crianlarich, The Ewich, which had been picked randomly from the internet, surprised both Barry and the Foundation. The proprietor, Ian Richards, was a current City Trust member and the ex fire safety officer for the Club! He donated rooms and full breakfast, free of charge to Barry and his team, with a retail value of £140.
‘We could not believe that of all the hotels we could pick, we chose one owned by a Trust Member and just how helpful and generous he and other hoteliers have been’, said Barry.
Exeter City FC Doctor, Peter Riou, has lent his support to the challenge providing a medical supplies and advice, together with the Truro FC physio who will be accompanying Barry on his journey after the first week has lapsed.
Local radio presenter, Joe Hellier, is providing the sound tracks that will see Barry through those long miles!
Adam Stansfield’s Brother Wayne commented: ‘I am yet again left speechless by another huge effort in Adam’s memory. This is a massive task Barry is undertaking. I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support people have continually shown since Adam died. I cannot thank Barry enough for attempting this. It means so much to us that so many people want to do such a variety of things to raise money in such difficult economic times. Adam obviously touched a lot of peoples’ hearts and it is very humbling to witness all that is being done in his name. Thank you Barry for all you are doing and thank you to everyone that continues to support the family and the Foundation. It is great to see that the money being raised is now going to start to make a real difference in the lives of young people in the areas where Adam lived and played his football.’
Adam’s widow Marie added ‘I would like to personally thank Barry for undertaking such a huge challenge to raise funds for the Foundation. Over the next few weeks the Foundation will begin distributing the funds that have been raised to date, which already total £30,000, to those that need them. Adam would have been so proud of what has been achieved already through everyone’s efforts and kindness in his memory. Please visit the Foundation’s website to sponsor Barry for his remarkable efforts.’
Anyone wishing to follow Barry’s progress will be able to do so on the Foundation’s website (www.adamstansfieldfoundation.com) and through the Foundation’s facebook page.
Barry will also be making regular appearances on the Exeter FM 107.3 breakfast show during his marathon journey. Presenter Nino Firetto will be keeping listeners updated, and is looking forward to speaking to Barry before he starts his daily run many times during the journey
Premiership referee Mark Halsey, Patron of the Foundation, reiterated the thanks felt by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees 'Its fantastic that Barry has taken time out to do this run for the Foundation where many people will benefit from moneys raised from different events that have taken place wishing Barry all the very best'
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