Leukaemia survivor Mr Happy celebrates epic journey
A Stoke Newington runner who overcame leukemia and the death of his mum finished a gruelling 1,100 mile run from John O’Groats to Lands’ End on Sunday - dressed as the Mr Men character Mr Happy.
Andy Jackson, 26, ran around 22 miles a day for 10 weeks wearing the seven kilo suit, to raise money for the cancer fighting charity, CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA.
Andy who lives in Manor Road, said: “It’s been the most challenging, but equally the most rewarding thing I have done in my entire life and it goes to prove that there is life after cancer.
“I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed almost every single minute of it, although I’m in no rush to do it all again,” he added.
“Without charities like CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA I may not have been here today, and I want to give children the same chance that I’ve had.”
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Andy was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 18 and ran his first marathon just weeks before his life-saving bone marrow transplant.
He astounded doctors by producing his first ‘healthy’ cells in record time - just in time - as days after leaving hospital his mum died of cancer. Caroline Blakely, CEO of CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA, which funds life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood leukaemia, said “Andy is an exceptional individual whose courage and determination is both humbling and inspiring.”
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Andy’s mammoth journey started on February 27, and he has received messages of support from personalities including former England rugby international Will Greenwood and Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie.
He ran through major cities, visited famous landmarks and took on challenges including skiing at Aviemore Ski Resort, putting at Gleneagles golf course and April’s London Marathon.
To support Andy and read more about his journey go to www.mrhappyrunsbritain.org
To donate go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mrhappyrunsbritain
