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Front line marathon man
MENTION the idea of getting up at 6am on New Year's Day and most of us would run a mile.
But would it make you want to do 26 miles – and through a war zone?
Well that is the fundraising challenge one Blackpool soldier has set himself.
Sgt Major Allan Mossman will brave temperatures in the high '20s to run a marathon through the Iraqi desert to raise cash for fellow squaddies injuries in action.
The former Montgomery High School pupil, serving with the First Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, will swap his combat fatigues for a tracksuit, all in aid of charity Help For Heroes.
Speaking to The Gazette from his base in Basra, Sgt-Maj Mossman, 39, said: "Everybody knows about the conflicts here in Iraq and in Afghanistan.
"There are troops going home with very serious injuries. I just wanted to do something to help.
"I'm hoping to raise as much money as I can, so those soldiers can get the rehabilitation they need.
"I want to be able to help fund a swimming pool, which can be used in the physiotherapy of troops who have lost limbs.
"Everybody here knows someone who has been affected, so it is a cause we can all relate to."
The marathon course will take Sgt-Maj Mossman into the Iraqi desert, but he isn't daunted by the prospect.
He said: "I've done marathons in the past, but not for a while – and nothing like this.
"It's the winter here, so the temperatures aren't so severe, it has cooled down.
"Saying that, it's still going to be between 24 and 26degC (80degF), so that will be like doing the London Marathon on a hot day.
Support
"I've just got to make sure I take on plenty of fluids.
"There will be people running along with me, taking it in turns to keep me company and hopefully encourage me through."
Sgt-Maj Mossman said for "operational reasons" he couldn't go into the technical details of running a marathon in a conflict zone, but said: "It's going to be a challenge!"
He has already received a huge backing from soldiers on the base, and hopes people back home will join in supporting his effort.
He said: "The lads here have been fantastic. We've already got $900 (450) and I'm hoping for much more."
And Sgt-Maj Mossman is guaranteed support from his family back in South Shore.
He said: "They will all be right behind me."
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
