Gary Fisher, managing director of Dorset firm GF Electrical has set his sights on completing ‘The Oner’ on Saturday April 8, a self-proclaimed ‘brutal event’ to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Gary was inspired to push himself to the limits and out of his comfort zone with just six weeks to train, to raise awareness for the charity when he heard of local estate agent Danny Fudge-Harman’s diagnosis with the disease.
Gary commented: “I like a challenge and I’ve completed a number of triathlons and extreme events over the years, but on hearing of Danny’s diagnosis it knocked me for six – so I decided to put my fitness and midlife crisis to good use and raise as much awareness and funds as possible for the charity.”
According to The Oner, the 82-mile route is ‘the mother of all ultra-trail runs’ taking participants over the Jurassic coastline from Charmouth to Studland with more than 10,000ft of ascent. Only 50 per cent of runners complete the course in the 24-hour time limit.
Daniel Fudge-Harman, director at Key Drummond Estate Agents at Canford Cliffs, said: “I have known Gary for a number of years and cannot thank him enough for his generosity. For someone to give up his time to train and to participate in such a monumental event is just incredible. This disease has turned our lives upside down but the actions of people like Gary give you hope that someday they may find a cure.”
Gary added: “The disease has also touched me personally over the years as my best friend’s dad died a few years back from the disease and a former work colleague is still fighting the diagnosis – so the Motor Neurone Disease Association is certainly a charity close to my heart.”
To ensure he is prepared for the event Gary has enlisted the help of a professional coach to put him through his paces. He trains six times a week and runs on average 80 miles per week.
To sponsor Gary, please visit Virginmoneygiving.com/gfelectrical