Michael Watson

Michael Watson's Marathon Challenge

Fundraising for Brain & Spine Foundation
£18,438
raised
by 633 supporters
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Event: Flora London Marathon 2003, on 13 April 2003
Brain & Spine Foundation

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1098528
We provide professional help and support to people affected by any neuro condition

Story

On 21 September 1991, I collapsed at the end of my super-middleweight contest against Chris Eubank. I later underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from my brain. I remained in a coma for 40 days and was on the verge of being certified clinically dead.

When I left hospital in a wheelchair, I was unable to walk, talk or do anything for myself. I was paralysed down my left side and had lost half the function of my brain.

Now, eleven years on, my spirit and determination has propelled me back to the sporting arena.

On April 13 2003, I started walking the Flora London Marathon and completed the 26.2 mile course in 6 days. In participating in the marathon – a gruelling physical challenge for even the most able bodied – I completed my greatest ever sporting feat.

After completing the marathon, I felt super and extremely overwhelmed. I had such great support I could not go wrong. There were a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I loved all of it.

Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I enjoyed myself from day one,

When asked what got me through I have to say, My faith in Jesus Christ. I loved the challenge. It injected the might in me and gave me something to focus on. I'm an overcomer. I did it by putting my faith in God.

I captained the Brain and Spine Foundation team and my efforts raised half the funds needed for the charity that has supported me throughout my rehabilitation.
So please continue to support my marathon challenge. Donate online in just few minutes and if you are a UK tax payer an extra 28% in Gift Aid tax will be added to your donation at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you in advance for your continued time and donation. Your support still means so much to me." ****************************************** Michael has received the following messages of personal support: "Muhammad Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide are with you all the way, Michael, and we express our admiration for your years of dedication and hard work that have led you through your challenging journeys in life! We salute you for this remarkable trek that you complete today and wish you to know how humble Muhammad feels knowing that his friendship shown you in years past has been a positive influence in your own life of incredible achievement. Congratulations!" Muhammad Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide "You'll do it. After what you have achieved already you will make it look easy. You are a very courageous and remarkable man." Michael Parkinson "All the Trustees send their good wishes to you for the Flora London Marathon in April" The Tim Rice Charitable Trust "I wish you all the best and every success. It is a tremendous effort and I admire your guts and determination in making this commitment." Dickie Bird, MBE Please sponsor Michael and add your own personal message of support along with many others below: Registered charity:1010067

About the charity

Brain & Spine Foundation

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1098528
The Brain and Spine Foundation transforms the daily reality of people affected by any neurological condition, anywhere in the UK, through frontline professional services, innovative social research, and bold campaigning for change.

Donation summary

Total raised
£18,437.82
+ £4,533.59 Gift Aid
Online donations
£18,437.82
Offline donations
£0.00

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