Birdy flies in London

Congratulations to Nick Bird from Nailsworth, who completed the 2009 Flora London Marathon in 3 hours and 26 mins. This was Nick’s first marathon and he has trained exceptionally well for the event and this was evident by his success. Nick decided late last year to run for the MSRC, Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre

Sporting all-rounder, Nick, 34, who counts Frocester cricket, Minchinhampton rugby and Cotswold Allrunners AC in his sporting repertoire – ran the gruelling 26-mile course on Sunday, April 26 to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre under the banner of Alastair Hignell’s Higgy’s Heroes.

His motivation to run is because a close friend suffers with MS. “I want to raise as much money as possible in order to help find a cure for this debilitating disease – a cure that is just around the corner – that will ultimately help her and her lovely family.”

Nick drew much of his strength from the courage shown by Hignell, a former England rugby and Gloucestershire cricketer and BBC commentator.

He added: “I grew up listening to Alastair Hignell’s commentary of my two favourite sports – cricket and rugby.

“He is somebody who I greatly admire, not least because of the way he faced his personal battle with MS, which eventually resulted in his retirement. I’m very proud to be a part of Higgy’s Heroes.”

Hignell said: “Living with an incurable and progressive condition can have its downs but one of its ups is the existence of charities like the MSRC whose mission is to make life easier for people with MS. Another is coming across guys like Nick Bird who give up so much time, effort and energy for such a good cause. I hail Nick as a Higgy’s Hero and look forward to seeing him cross the finish line at this year’s London Marathon.”

Besides running the marathon, Nick held a charity golf day at Cotswold Edge Golf Course and raised £417.75.

He would like to thank all the staff at Cotswold Edge for their generosity in helping organise and stage the event, as well as Lister Communications, Batemans, Frocester Fayre, Martin Berrill Sports, John Lewis and Gloucester Rugby Club for their generous donations towards raffle prizes.

You can still help by donating at www.justgiving.co.uk/birdy