War halts marathon plan

A VETERAN journalist from Lewes has had to pull out of a fund-raising run in the London Marathon because he is due to leave for Kuwait next week as part of the BBC team covering the threatened war with Iraq.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Feb 2003, 15:40 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:41 BST

Local reporter and presenter Alex Kirby, 63, was due to be Lewes Mencap's sole representative in the arduous marathon.

But he has had to inform the organisation that he can't now fulfil his training programme or guarantee to back in time for the world-famous event on April 13.

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The charity is now appealing for a brave new entrant to fill Alex's running shoes.

This would have been Alex's fourth London Marathon run for Lewes Mencap.

Said Mencap secretary Don Chisholm: 'To Lewes Mencap members Alex is their own champion who they respect and admire, not only for the 7,000 sponsorship money he earned to swell our local funds but for his real friendship and understanding of people with learning difficulties.

'We will certainly miss Alex this year. Is there someone out there who will take his place.'

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Said Alex: 'It is an intense disappointment not to be taking part in the marathon for Lewes Mencap but I shall be following the war, should it occur.

'I am determined to take part in the marathon next year.

'In the meantime, I hope someone can be found at this short notice to take my place?'

Alex expects to be attached to an Army base in Kuwait in preparation for the proposed advance on Baghdad. He will then be travelling with the Press convoy into Iraq 20 miles behind the front line.

Anyone who wants to take part in the marathon, and raise money for Mencap, should ring Mencap on 01273 471610.

l The charity increases awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities and the services available locally to them.

Related topics:IraqBBC