AN EX-paratrooper from Christchurch is attempting to break the world record London Marathon time carrying 20lbs in memory of a fallen comrade.
Charlie Shevlin-Child is an ex-paratrooper, NHS surgical nurse and 6 Rifles reservist who has been accepted by the Guinness Book of Records as an official contender to a daring challenge.
At the London Marathon on Sunday, October 2, Charlie will be carrying 20lbs while wearing military kit to raise money for armed forces charity SSAFA in memory of his friend Sergeant Luke Taylor who was killed in Afghanistan.
Luke, 33 and from Burton, was killed at a forward operating base in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, when a rogue gunman opened fire in 2012. Charlie and Luke grew up and were Cadets together in Christchurch.
Ahead of the marathon, Charlie said: “He was my friend and I miss him. He left behind a baby who was the same age as my son, Oscar, is now. I’m running for SSAFA because they helped Luke’s family when he was killed. SSAFA looks after our families if we can’t – that means a lot.”
Luke’s brother Jake Taylor is supporting Charlie in his record-breaking attempt and will be in London cheering him on. Jake has also previously run the London Marathon to raise funds for SSAFA.
Jake said: “I’m extremely proud of what Charlie is doing. It’s over 10 years since Luke’s death and it means a lot to us that he is being remembered like this. SSAFA helped my mum when she needed it most and I’m really grateful for that.”
Charlie is training for this event around a busy career in the NHS, as a part-time reservist, and while taking care of his four-month-old baby with his wife.
He added: “I’ll often take Oscar out training with me – he loves it when I run and push him in his stroller, it’s pretty good exercise.”
The record Charlie is attempting to beat was set by his old boss in the Parachute Regiment. In 2013, Mike Ellicock broke a world record at the London Marathon by running with a 40lb pack in three hours 25 minutes and 21 seconds.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Charles-Child2 to donate.
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