Retired clinical scientist from Wetherby: 'I'm still here and active at 72' so I thought I'd do a charity epic
A retired clinical scientist from Wetherby who is “still here and active at 72” has run a mile for charity for each year of his age in just 24 hours.
The epic effort to raise funds for brain research was by no means the first ambitious charity adventure undertaken by Dr Mike Bosomworth, from Bardsey.
Usually related to the arrival of a big birthday, the last decade or so has seen him cycle across America and tackle an Ironman distance triathlon.
And all this despite suffering from health issues.
“I’ve not had the best of luck health-wise but I’ve fought back and am still here and active at 72,” said Dr Bosomworth.
"I am grateful for that but finding something that sponsors might consider a real challenge for a worthwhile cause eluded me.
"Then I thought “why not try to run/jog/walk a mile for every year of my life within 24 hours”, then I noticed the Leeds Endure 24."
The biggest 24-hour relay run in the North, the event held earlier this month at Bramham Park saw Mike Bosomworth complete his 72-mile task in 23 hours 36 minutes.
In the process, he raised more than £2,000 on behalf of brain research in the Neurology Department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.
“It was certainly the most difficult challenge that I have ever undertaken,” he said.
"The Leeds neurology research team have now started working on an exciting new type of research – multi-arm multi-stage trials known as MAMS trials.
"The exciting thing about these trials is they test several drugs at the same time, rather than an individual drug and will be a faster way of bringing new drugs to treat patients
“If you are a sufferer or a carer, this could give real hope of better treatment, faster.
"But the rapid increase in new trials means that we need more support for the neurological research team.”
The Brain Research Appeal, a charity linked to Leeds Hospital Charity, raises funds for research into neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and migraine.
To donate to Mike’s charity mission, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mike-bosomworth-4