Jerry To Give Manchester Another Push
The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run takes place in Manchester on Sunday, 28 May. To enter, visit greatrun.org/manchester
FATTY’S Big Push will be back in town for the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run as Europe’s biggest 10k returns to the city centre.
Jerry Ward, who is paralysed, and his support team will be joining the thousands on the start line on Sunday, 28 May, for the 10k which is this year celebrating its 15th anniversary.
In November 2007, Jerry, a former RAF fighter pilot, suffered a serious spinal cord injury while swimming in the sea in Mexico. He was left face down in the water with a broken neck, was drowned and unconscious when pulled on to the beach where he was resuscitated.
Jerry had competed in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run before his injury but took part against all odds, just six months after his accident, in his wheelchair.
Since then, the Jerry’s Big Push team of friends, colleagues and family have pushed him around the 6.2mile course every year, setting a record time of 48.08 in 2012.
The team have raised funds for many different charities, mostly those related to spinal-cord injury, cancer or children.
Jerry, who attended a launch event to celebrate the event’s 15th birthday along with Olympian Greg Rutherford, said: “In 2008, being pushed round was hugely emotional to be out of hospital for a day to come and take part and unfortunately I was back in hospital for 18 months.
“Since then I’ve been pushed round eight times and we just try to raise funds for as many people for different charities, spinal injuries, kidneys, cancer, and to try and have a good time.
“In 2015 Haile Gebrselassie had announced his retirement, he started off by pushing me. He couldn’t keep up with my team so we dumped him after 300 metres. It was a great start and great to have Haile behind me pushing me off the start line.”
The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run takes place in the city centre on Sunday, 28 May. To enter, visit greatrun.org/manchester
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