Mayor inspired by marathon man’s “mile a day” challenge

Cllr Eve Rose Keenan launched her own health project at Rosehill Park with the help of marathon man Ray Matthews — after seeing the enthusiasm of school pupils for his Run a Mile a Day scheme.

Ray, who raised cash for a specialist playground and woodland trail at Newman School by completing 75 marathons in 75 days, is calling for all schoolchildren across the borough to go for a run every day.

He went along on Tuesday to offer his advice and support for the Mayor, who is raising money for brain injury charity Headway.

Cllr Keenan said: “Ray got me to run a mile with him at Thornhill School when he launched his scheme so I thought I would get my own back on him.

“After seeing the impact it had on the children, I thought I should do it myself so I am going to run a mile every day during my year in office.”

Cllr Keenan, whose husband and Mayoral Consort Pat suffered a stroke ten years ago, said she planned to run in between her busy mayoral engagements.

She said: “Headway is such a great charity. 

“Pat’s stroke that left him with a substantial brain injury and Headway really helped him.

“They literally help people get their lives back.”

Cllr Keenan won’t be alone on her daily runs though — she will be accompanied by her four-legged friend Rupert the patterdale terrier.

Sadie Bratt, admin officer at Headway, thanked Cllr Keenan for her efforts.

“We invited the Mayor to our summer ball,” she said.

“We had two members — William Stanton and Tony Howley — who did the Dirty Rat Race obstacle course and she said they inspired her to raise some money for Headway.

“She was already running a mile a day as part of Ray’s scheme so decided to start collecting sponsorship.”

To sponsor Cllr Keenan, call the Mayor’s office on 01709 822720 or visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EveRoseKeenan.