Former boxer facing adversity head-on as usual in gruelling running challenge to raise funds for Walsall Manor Hospital

Martin Gethin, a former British lightweight champion, is taklng part in the Wolf Run Challenge on the Stanford Hall estate in Leicestershire next Saturday and Sunday (June 7 and 8).

He will help to bring in funds for the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's Well Wishers charity, of which he is a patron.

The Wolf Run combines three types of off-road running: mud runs, trail runs and obstacle runs over wild terrain, dense woodland, rivers and mud. 

And Martin, who had a successful 13-year boxing career between 2004 and 2017, has been clocking up the running miles in recent weeks as part of his training.

The 41-year old said: "I did the 52.4-mile Heineken Race To The Tower event with my brother Steven a few years back which was a tough challenge as it was the equivalent of two marathons, but I do like to push myself.

“The Wolf Run is another hard one, and really popular, and I want to give that my best shot for Well Wishers. I’m proud to be the charity’s patron because it does some amazing work for patients who use the Manor Hospital and community services."

Martin will be raising money specifically to transform the anaesthetics room in the Walsall Manor Hospital's Paediatrics Theatre to make surgery less daunting for young patients.

Georgie Westley, fundraising manager at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “All the best to Martin next weekend – and rather him than me, running through mud and all sorts of obstacles!

"Martin and his family are fantastic supporters of Well Wishers; they already work with the charity to stage an annual boxing event which has raised money for lots of worthy causes including support for patients living with dementia.

“He has also supported our community midwives’ fundraising for vulnerable mums to be and helped boost funds on our children’s ward.”

To support Martin in his effort, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/martin-wolf-run.