Marathon runners face being overtaken by tree
On April 23, Yorkshire-based artist Richard Wheater, will don his tree outfit and compete in the 2006 Flora London Marathon to raise money for The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.
The 27-year-old has been training hard for the world-famous event.
He says: “I’ve always wanted to raise awareness of the physical and mental benefits of having trees in the urban environment. The London Marathon seemed like the perfect opportunity - not only could I run as a tree as I passed thousands of people, I could also raise money for the cause.
“It took three years of applying and being turned down through the London Marathon ballot in order to run for a charity of my own choice - but this year I got in and The Woodland Trust happily accepted my proposal.
“It was important for me to run for a cause offering the prevention of ill health rather than the typical charity needing money for cures, of which many of these diseases and illnesses are linked to pollution and poor quality air. What with campaigns to plant trees in the urban environment and fighting to protect our alarmingly small pockets of established woodland, I believe The Woodland Trust offers that prevention.”
Richard is also urging any fellow marathon runners to join him and dress as trees.
He added: “The dream is to create a running woodland through the grey streets of London.”
Richard can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/runningfortrees
