Leicester man with MS took on half marathon for Rainbows

A 62-year-old who battles with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) took on a 21km run and raised £304 for Rainbows.

Jeremy Hollis wanted to help our work in supporting over 750 babies, children, and young people with terminal and serious illnesses.

He said: “Rainbows is a very touching, heartwarming and inspiring charity and does some wonderful things. I found running for Rainbows was incredibly rewarding.”

Jeremy was diagnosed with MS in 2004. Last year, he signed up to the Leicester Half Marathon. He added: “When I got diagnosed that was a mighty shock. It is a very variable unpredictable illness which can be very different to those affected. Again, I count myself so lucky with the fact that after some training I was fit enough, at 62, to run a half marathon.

“The idea of the completing the half marathon did give me some doubts, especially as the volume of training can be daunting. For the best part I managed to push those doubts to the back of my mind.”

Not only did Jeremy complete the half marathon but he beat his target time of two hours 10 minutes by one and a half minutes to finish with a time of two hours 8 minutes 30 seconds.

This was not the first time Jeremy has fundraised for our charity. Jermery plays guitar for Leicester band At Arm’s Length, who performed a charity show for the charity five years ago.

He added: “Rainbows is a charity that has touched me for very obvious reasons and I am so pleased to be able to support them, through running or playing music.”

Kerry Laurie, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “For Jeremy to put aside his own struggles and take on this event for Rainbows is just wonderful. We are so grateful to have his support and on behalf of everyone at our charity, I thank him.”