From Major Operation to Half Marathon
Baptist who had a major prostate operation last year is to run in the Tonbridge Half Marathon this Sunday.
Fifty-eight-year-old Jonathan Leeson, of Tonbridge Baptist Church, ran his first half marathon in 2008 and another in 2010, but then had to slow down.
Now however, he is putting on his running shoes back on to raise funds for the Christian charity Latin Link.
He said he will need loonger than before to finish the course, but has been inspired by attending the Paralympic Games in London - and the fact that the Olympics are next in Brazil.
'Having not been able to run a half marathon for the past two years, following my prostate operation last year, I am building up the training,' Jonathan explained.
'The course has some steep hills, but I am hoping to finish the race inside three hours. I will definitely need around 45 minutes longer and more energy than before to get round.
'Being with 80,000 people in the Olympic Stadium recently watching the Paralympians race around the track has inspired me in my comeback run.
'Latin Link too is encouraged that next time around, the Olympics will be in Brazil. So this is my chance to do something sporty for Latin America.'
Jonathan is the area representative for Latin Link, which works with local Christians to meet diverse needs, from caring for street children and supporting prisoners to training church leaders and generating employment opportunities.
To sponsor visit
virginmoneygiving.com/jonathanleeson or call 0118 957 7102.