University of Worcester lecturers set to take on London Marathon
Darren Cooper and Richard Pepperell are taking part in the event today
Last updated 21st Apr 2024
Two sports lecturers at the University of Worcester are part of a team aiming to assist their friend who's in a wheelchair to complete today's London Marathon.
Gareth Rees is paralysed from the neck down and will be pushed by four runners, including his cousin Dr Darren Cooper and former rugby teammate Richard Pepperell.
Darren and Richard both work at the university, and say they are relieved all the training has finished and they've now made it to the day.
Darren said: "I'm really looking forward to the crowds and everything about the event, regardless of what the weather has in store for us.
"Going through the journey up to this point, and getting to experience all of this as a team at the end will be the thing that will get us over that finishing line I think."
Gareth suffered a spinal cord injury while playing rugby in 2011, and is the only one who will be officially completing the marathon.
They'll be using a wheelchair that's been built for the occasion, and Darren says there's a lot to consider when it comes to taking it around the full 26.2 miles.
"There's a lot of things we've got to think about when it comes to trying to manoeuvre around other runners on the course," Darren said.
"Making sure we have enough room to get through the crowds will be the real challenge, but our main focuses are finishing and keeping Gareth safe and comfortable throughout the journey."
He added: "I'll be fully relieved and relaxed once we're back at home and the run is all over and done with."
The team are aiming to get round the course in about five hours.