Gloucester's Forrest Gump hits first hurdle on Canadian charity adventure
ULTRA runner Jamie McDonald from Tredworth has hit his first stumbling block in his epic adventure across Canada to raise £60,000 for children's charities.
The 26-year-old is Gloucester's answer to Forrest Gump and set off on his world record attempt to run more than 5,000 miles unaided from coast to coast across Canada just over two weeks ago.
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He is carrying a 30kg rucksack and will run the equivalent of 200 marathons - but has already pulled a thigh muscle.
With the nearest physio miles away from his current remote location in Newfoundland, Jamie has been forced to treat his own injury.
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He is in regular contact with his friend, Jody Gooding.
"His spirits are still good, he is amazed by the support he has been getting," he said.
"Jamie has been on national TV twice already and people are meeting him on the way to give him food. Their support has been inspiring him to keep going.
"The hardest thing for him has been carrying his pack. It is the same weight as a small boy so it has taken a bit of getting used to.
"He has managed around 12 miles a day through the mountains but will increase the daily mileage gradually once he is over his injury.
"Canadians seem to appreciate the challenge he faces, and he is getting a lot of publicity over there."
Jamie set off from Labrador on the east coast and is heading west towards Vancouver.
It is hoped his efforts will raise £60,000 for the Pied Piper Appeal at Gloucestershire Royal and Great Ormond Street Hospital where
he received treatment as a young boy.
So far, his efforts have raised just over £1,000.
Jamie's latest stunt follows his effort last year to cycle back from Bangkok.
To find out more about the challenge, or to sponsor Jamie, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Jamie_McDonald
Follow the journey on Twitter: @MrJamieMcDonald where he will post regular updates from his video blog.
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