A GROBY man is channelling his inner superhero, by running 21 half marathons in 21 days – in full fancy dress, for those affected by Cancer.
Loz O’Shea is taking on the ambitious challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK, running a half marathon every day until April 14, in a different fancy dress outfit.
Since starting his challenge at County Hall last Friday (March 25), Loz has ran as a variety of iconic superhero characters, including Superman, Batman and Mr Incredible.
Yesterday, (Tuesday, March 29) he ran out as Captain America in memory of his Auntie, who passed away from Cancer. Today, he is running as Spiderman for his Great Grandma, who lost her life to the disease back in 2001.
However, the character Loz is looking forward to running as the most, is ‘Deadpool’ he told the Leicester Times.
“I have the accessories – the sword and the gun. I just hope I don’t get tasered by the police!” he joked.
“I won’t make out I’m a saint but I just get a kick out of helping people.
“I’ve done stuff for charity in the past, but last year I was unable to raise any money due to suffering from seizures due to my epilepsy. They now seem to be under control, so I just wanted to go all out this year and do something really fun and cool,” he continued.
“I just love fancy dress. I bought a lot of the outfits when we were in lockdown and doing the claps for the NHS. I’d get up on the roof in a new outfit every Thursday and everyone would come out to see what I was dressed as! If anyone needs to borrow an outfit, I have pretty much everything!”
Loz works at Lutterworth’s Asda distribution centre, cycling 40 miles a day to get there and back from his home in Groby.
He has taken three weeks off work to complete his super running challenge, with a hope of raising £2,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Just over £1,000 has been raised so far.
He is set to complete his challenge on April 14, with a heroes welcome planned at County Hall, where his Dad serves as a Councillor.
“I know how hard this will be and the pain involved, but that pain ain’t nothing compared to losing someone close to you to cancer,” said Loz on his Just Giving page.
“It’s crazy just how many people I know who have had or are suffering from cancer, but I can do this.
“With all the encouragement I’ve received from previous events I’ve done, it motivates me even more.”
Three years ago, Loz raised £3,000 for Autism awareness by running 14 marathons in 14 days.
“If anybody fancies dressing up with me and fancies a run, you’re more than welcome,” he said of his latest challenge.
To find out more, or to give to the cause, visit: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/runningloz
By Louise Steel
