Alex Bugg will complete the challenge at the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) where he’s based by walking up and down the five flights of stairs in the building 227 times. He’ll cover the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) and climb over 4,600 metres in the process.
Alex, a sport and exercise science researcher, decided to take on the challenge after learning his colleague, Andrew Tipple, had been diagnosed with MND.
He is currently in training for the marathon which will take place on Thursday 24 July. He hopes to complete the challenge in 11 hours.
Alex said: "Having seen the resilience and determination of our friend and colleague Andrew Tipple following a challenging period, resulting in a diagnosis of MND, it seemed only right to try and do my part to add to his fantastic fundraising efforts.
“Anyone that has visited the AWRC and climbed the staircase will be aware of that feeling of breathlessness after a few flights. I hope this challenge inspires people to donate to a great charity, who provide life changing support and research in to better treatment.”
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) affects around one in 300 people in the UK throughout their lifetime. It's estimated that 6 people are diagnosed with MND in the UK each day. The condition affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time.
The MND Association focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To sponsor Alex on his stair marathon challenge, visit his Just Giving page.
