Leicester Tigers have famously chased targets in every major club competition this season, and now one of the club's supporters has set another goal - in the Flora London Marathon.
Tony Vout is to don a Tigers mascot suit when he takes to the streets of London on April 22nd, with the double target of finishing as high up the field as possible and also raising a large sum of money for the Matt Hampson Trust, the fund set up to support the young Tigers player who was seriously injured in a training session with England U-21s two years ago.
Doncaster-based Tony, 47, has trained specifically to run in the furry suit and by the time he gets to the start line he will have run more than 1,200 miles since January 1 under the guidance of 1983 London winner Mike Gratton. His preparation has included a 1hr 37min finish in the Doncaster Half Marathon and a time of just under 45min for the City of Lincoln 10K when he beat more than 2,700 of the 3,200 starters.
Now he is aiming to be the first London finisher in full fancy dress, which will mean running close to the "Good for Age" time of 3hr 15min.
Tony has been inspired to such endeavour by Matt's resilience and positive outlook towards his situation since his injury.
"Matt is not bitter about his accident and he is adjusting well to the new life that he has ahead of him," he said. "Although he is in a wheelchair and breathes with the aid of a ventilator, he helps to coach a young rugby team, he has a column in the Leicester Mercury and is also hoping to raise awareness of helping those with spinal injuries."
You can support Tony, and Matt, by way of a donation through his website at www.tonythetiger.me.uk
Tony Vout is to don a Tigers mascot suit when he takes to the streets of London on April 22nd, with the double target of finishing as high up the field as possible and also raising a large sum of money for the Matt Hampson Trust, the fund set up to support the young Tigers player who was seriously injured in a training session with England U-21s two years ago.
Doncaster-based Tony, 47, has trained specifically to run in the furry suit and by the time he gets to the start line he will have run more than 1,200 miles since January 1 under the guidance of 1983 London winner Mike Gratton. His preparation has included a 1hr 37min finish in the Doncaster Half Marathon and a time of just under 45min for the City of Lincoln 10K when he beat more than 2,700 of the 3,200 starters.
Now he is aiming to be the first London finisher in full fancy dress, which will mean running close to the "Good for Age" time of 3hr 15min.
Tony has been inspired to such endeavour by Matt's resilience and positive outlook towards his situation since his injury.
"Matt is not bitter about his accident and he is adjusting well to the new life that he has ahead of him," he said. "Although he is in a wheelchair and breathes with the aid of a ventilator, he helps to coach a young rugby team, he has a column in the Leicester Mercury and is also hoping to raise awareness of helping those with spinal injuries."
You can support Tony, and Matt, by way of a donation through his website at www.tonythetiger.me.uk
