Vale squad to join double amputee in charity run

Last year Paralympic legend Richard Whitehead electrified the nation with his stunning victory in the 200m Final at the London 2012 Paralympic Games - remind yourself by watching his truly breathtaking winning performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df67gHjSNnE

Richard has recently embarked on the biggest physical challenge of his running life, attempting to become the first double amputee to run the length of Britain, in the process completing a mind-boggling 40 back-to-back marathons to raise funds for two charities close to his heart, Scope and Sarcoma UK.

and he will be joined by the Vale first team squad on Today for a 10k stretch.Much was spoken of creating a lasting legacy from the Games and one year on, this is Richard’s way to hopefully inspire everyone and show that a life without limits is possible

Richard became known to Vale striker Lee Hughes during his time with Notts County, and the two of them have kept in touch since and when Lee was asked if he could do anything to help he decided to get permission from Micky Adams to do a run and he will now be joined by his team-mates.37-year-old

Says Hughes: “I have known Richard for a few years, since I was at Notts County. I met him near to where I lived when he was doing a charity thing there.

“He was training to compete in the Olympics and he won the 200 metres gold in the Paralympics. He came into Notts County and brought his gold medal in and we all had photos taken with him.

“I have kept in touch with him ever since and he recently mentioned this run to me. He asked if I would be able to help out and I jumped at the chance.

“I spoke to the manager about running the 10k and he said everyone can do it, so instead of training, we will be doing a 10k charity run with Richard, then we will have the next day off.

“It starts in Measham and goes through to Solihull. He will be doing forty marathons in forty days, from John O’Groats to Lands End, so that put’s it into perspective.

“We obviously want to help raise some sponsorship, that’s the whole point of us doing it, and all of the lads are all up for it.”

You have to admire the Vale players who are all willing to take part in the run to help raise money for a good cause, but the determination shown by the Paralympian athlete is even more worthy of admiration.

He has always shown a determination to succeed that other people ought to be inspired by. Richard accepts his situation, grits his teeth and shows what he is made of – an inspiration to us all.

Whitehead added: "You're dealt a set of cards when you are born and you just have to get on with it. I've done that. I've had to work for the things I've got, and I feel I deserve the success I've had after working hard for 30-odd years.

"I'm not sure I'd have been as successful as an able-bodied person but I hope I would have been driven to be successful, whatever cards I was dealt."

Please help the Vale players make it all worthwhile by making a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PortValeFC