Norwich Nick Bond to run London Marathon for Spinal Research

Nick Bond, from Thorpe St Andrew, has had to watch his dad struggle every day.  

He said: “He puts on a brave face, but I know that he struggles with not being able to do everything he did before.  

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“As most dads tend to be, he is the main inspiration in my life, he is the driving force behind everything I do and it's sad to know he can’t get about and do the things he wants to do.  

“It’s hard to put into words just how dramatically his life has changed in the last 10 years.” 

Nick’s dad, Jim, has been a community figure in Cromer for many years.  

The 40-year-old continued: “He is a well-known figure, and he gives a lot to the community, so I saw this as my chance to give back to him, even if it is in a small way.” 

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Nick will be running the London Marathon on Sunday to raise money for Spinal Research.

He said: “I ran a marathon two years ago and have been doing lots of running but I am getting older, and I have three small children so finding the time to train has been really difficult, when I planned to do it, I think I was wearing rose-tinted glasses.” 

So far he has raised 65pc of his goal of £2,000 and so he hoped he will get there by Sunday.  

He said: “We are in a cost-of-living crisis so not everyone has something to give.  

“But any and all donations are really appreciated as more than anything it helps to motivate me.” 

Nick works as a football and education tutor in Norwich for the Community Sports Foundation and has been preparing for the big day with three colleagues, with Ryan Oakley running for Cardiomyopathy UK and former Norwich City players Adam Drury and Simon Lappin for Breast Cancer Now.