Kelvin running up funds to boost Bobby Ball statue appeal

Kelvin Wood, from Bispham, is making the most of his daily exercise during lockdown to run at least 5km every day this month in aid of the statue fund.

The 48-year-old has set up a Facebook page detailing his efforts and inviting contributions and is delighted with the response so far.

Kelvin has a long history of fund-raising runs for charity – along with concerts and event a skydive – but he says the goal he has set himself has presented an unprecedented challenge to which he is proud to be rising.

“The most consecutive days I had ever run previously was two, so this is very much out of my comfort zone, it has been going well and I am delighted to have the full support of Bobby’s family,” said Kelvin.

“Bobby was always one of my comedy heroes when I was growing up and when I met him a few years ago, he became an even bigger hero offstage because of the man he was,” said Kelvin, a full-time singer-songwriter-entertainer originally from Carlisle.

“I met a few times since through my partner and crossed paths with work and became friends, and what struck me with him was he had time and passion for everything and everyone.

“I, like many others, was shocked and heartbroken when he passed away,”

Kelvin is a member of Blackpool Freedom runners and has been fundraising for various charities since losing his dad to liver cancer in 2009.

In 2019, he completed the London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support, for which he has raised £40,000 so far through various events.

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