Above & Beyond supporter Luke Watts will run solo half and full distance marathons in 2020 to raise funds for the Bristol City Centre Hospitals Appeal.

Luke will strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines set out by the government as he trains for and completes his half marathon in May and marathon in August.

He said: "I've learnt a lot about the hospitals in Bristol and the positive impact that Above & Beyond has had in areas like the ICU and paediatric care. My wife began fundraising for them this year and so when she told me about the current Appeal to support the COVID19 pandemic I was compelled to get involved and desperate to help the people in my city in my own small way.

"I love running but haven't been challenging myself recently and haven't run a full marathon in over three years so this isn't going to be easy, but for the first time in a long time I feel hugely motivated to put in the hours, the sore legs and the monotony that kicks in when you start running 15 plus miles on a weekly basis.

I'd urge people to support me and others fundraising for this Appeal because the NHS needs us more than ever. Speaking to a lot of people who are stuck in isolation I sense a real desire to help in these desperate times without necessarily knowing how - donating to this appeal is a great start!

"I'm lucky (and truly thankful) that I’m healthy, have a good job and friends and family around me- a lot of people aren't so lucky."

Luke is one of an increasing number of supporters coming up with new ways to support your hospitals including virtual collection tins and live streamed gigs.

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