Arctic success for local runners

Pals Jim Kane (30), Lee Galbraith (29) and Matthew Jordan (36) set out on their punishing schedule in a bid to raise £10,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association after Jim lost his mother to the illness in 2005.

And in an update to our story last month, we can reveal that Jim and the gang have already secured over £2,300 for the worthy cause including offline donations and gift aid.

Speaking to The Times, Jim divulged that each of the three friends managed to complete the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromso, Norway, albeit with injuries!

“My hip made a noise like someone pulling a drumstick off an overcooked chicken, so I limped for about 20 miles,” he graphically explained.

However a combination of painkillers at “30 times the recommended dose” and team spirit drove him on, along with his fellow runners.

Lee had similar problems: “After an absolutely storming half marathon time, Lee’s knee went to the consistency of warm plasticine and he was just running on sheer bloody mindedness,” explained Jim.

Matthew also found out he’d “ground one of his kneecaps to powder” at about 15 miles in but according to pal Jim that didn’t stop him pushing on to the finishing line.

“Matt is one of the most determined people I know,” said Jim. “He’s a hero in his own right.”

They now plan to take a well earned rest before donning their running shoes again in the autumn for marathons in Dublin on October 31 and Las Vegas on December 4.

For further information or to find out how you can donate to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, visit www.justgiving.com/Arctic2Desert.