Marathon man Ray hopes book proves a novel read

The 74-year-old, who will take on 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days ahead of his 75th birthday, donated it for the first prize in a competition organised by running store Accelerate UK.

Ray handed over a copy of Who Dares Wins to the store’s competition winner Chris Sanders on Saturday, January 16.

Ray, of Maltby, said: “The store has been really helpful and given me a lot of advice so I wanted to give them something back.”

Ray will kick-off his 75-75-75 challenge on July 30.

He hopes the challenge will raise £75,000 for Newman School, Whiston, which caters for youngsters with special educational needs.

He said he hopes to pay for specialist rubber flooring for the school’s playground, create a new pathway to its wooded area and buy new specialist play equipment.

Ray said: “I just love running and it comes easily to me.

“Obviously, I’m aware that it’s no mean feat to run 75 marathons in 75 days. It is a world record by far.

“But I’m not doing it for myself — I am just really keen to make sure I raise the £75,000.”

For more information on Ray’s marathon challenge or to sponsor him visit www.rwrr.co.uk

His book Who Dares Wins is available from WH Smith, Amazon and Accelerate UK, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield, priced at £7.99.