3 weeks Ago
A woman plans to run the Manchester Marathon in full cricket gear. Charlotte Whistlecroft, 30, from Bolton, has started training for the 26.2-mile run while wearing a helmet, gloves, pads, and a bat.
The assistant producer decided to take on the challenging feat in honour of her friend, David, who died of a heart attack at the age of 32 in September 2024. Ms Whistlecroft wants to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation in David's memory. She said: "I originally signed up for the Adidas Manchester Marathon last summer to try and achieve a personal best.
"However, in September 2024, my friend David died of a heart attack at just 32 years old. "The loss was devastating. "David always believed in me and had a huge personality.
"To honour him properly, I knew I had to do something big, something that would push me to my absolute limit. "Taking part in full cricket kit felt like the right way to do that." The pair met at Durham University and remained friends for more than a decade.
Having already completed two marathons, Ms Whistlecroft is familiar with the demands but knows that running in cricket gear will be a challenge. She said: "David loved watching and playing cricket, and the more ridiculous the challenge, the more likely people are to donate. "It feels right to honour him this way.
" She has been training in her cricket gear (Image: Supplied) Ms Whistlecroft will be part of the UK's largest ever day of running on April 27, as the adidas Manchester Marathon and TCS London Marathon coincide for the first time. She is confident this unprecedented atmosphere will drive her forward. She said: "Having run the Adidas Manchester Marathon before, I know how amazing the vibe is.
"The crowds are so incredible the entire way round, and I'm really excited about the new finish line in the centre of town. "Being local also means I'll have great support on the day. "Plus, the flat route finishing so close to home will be a blessing at the end, especially running in all this gear.
" To date, she has raised £1,385 on her JustGiving crowdfunding page. If you would like to donate to her fundraising efforts visit her JustGiving page. Preparation for this extraordinary challenge has been demanding, requiring Ms Whistlecroft to undertake long training sessions in her full cricket attire.
"My friends and family have been a phenomenal support," she said, highlighting how they’ve even joined her in her training to offer encouragement. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she remains resolute. She said: "I keep thinking about what David would say to me and how I'll feel when I cross the finish line.
"It will be a bittersweet day, but seeing the fundraising total rise keeps me motivated." Read more: Young Bolton boxer Daniel takes Sweden by storm African adventure for Bolton-born BBC presenter following success of last show Burndeners enjoy and endure ups and downs at Curley’s 5k Her primary goal for race day is simply to finish. She added: "I do not care at all how long it takes me, as long as I get to that finish line in my cricket kit.
" On race day, Ms Whistlecroft will be cheered on by her family and friends, which she’s certain will give her an extra boost of energy as she starts to tire..
