(posted 7682 days ago)Paula Radcliffe will be matched in spirit by a former boxer
By Gareth A Davies (Filed: 12/04/2003)Telegraph
Paula Radcliffe, bobbing head and metronomic stride, will hold centre stage at the head of the London Marathon tomorrow morning, but at the back of the field is an arguably bigger story as former boxer Michael Watson attempts to complete the longest Olympic distance, step by step, inch by inch, over the next week.Watson, who suffered horrific brain injuries 12 years ago in a world title fight with Chris Eubank, has fought back from near-death to become an inspirational figure and talisman for public causes. Tomorrow, he is the captain of The Daily Telegraph marathon team, a group of runners from the public, all raising money for the British Brain and Spine Foundation.
Long after the medals are handed out, the foil cleared, the roads back in use, Watson will still be on the road, the spirit breathing deep within him. He will eventually reach the Embankment, and finally The Mall, a week from today. Twelve sessions of about 2.5 miles, two a day, along the marathon course. As awareness grows, public support is likely to be overwhelming. This week, as Watson continued to train in Hyde Park, well-wishers were everywhere.
David Bedford, London Marathon race director, is aware of the draw on the public created by Watson's involvement. Bedford admits there have been many heroic marathon efforts, but believes Watson's attempt "would have to rank as one of the most incredible of all time if he finishes. Marathon running brings out something in the human spirit, and everyone has their reason".
There is no 'if' about Watson finishing this race, assured the man himself yesterday, and there is little doubt that come April 19, Watson will have inspired hundreds, even thousands, and perhaps have planted in the mind of every one of the BBC's five million viewers that they, too, could quite easily turn off their television sets and play a part in helping the lives of others.
It was late last year when Watson announced that he wanted to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, his life having been saved by the foundation's founder, neurosurgeon Peter Hamlyn. The medical man will be alongside his former patient every step of the way. Hamlyn says he finds Watson an inspiration, at times openly bemused by what he achieved after the six brain operations it required to save Watson's life in 1991.
Around him, something of a media maelstrom this week, following two weeks of what he considered ideal preparation at Hustyns, the 200-acre hotel retreat in Cornwall, with its forests and monastic silence. While there, Watson conquered another mountain, reached another level. When training for the marathon began six months ago, Watson needed to lean on his carer for balance. In Cornwall, he began to walk along alone.
Perhaps the toughest examination Watson has faced in the final fortnight before the race has been the growing list of media requests and appearances.
Although he finds it mentally tiring, you will never hear him complaining about his situation. Watson accepted his fate long ago, and will walk towards his destiny this week. His actions will be inspiration for a nation when it wakes up tomorrow.
If you wish to sponsor Michael Watson's Marathon Challenge, telephone credit card line: 0870 0600729 or visit the website at www.justgiving.com/michaelwatson. Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the Brain and Spine Foundation by calling to arrange a visit on 0207 793 5900. Brain and Spine Foundation, 7 Winchester House, Kennington Park, Cranmer Road, London, SW9 6EJ. Registered charity No 100607.