It was a terrific day on Saturday – 24 year old William Graydon finished his amazing feat of running over 200 miles in memory of Robin Gibb. He was also celebrating the fact that the Bee Gees had sold 200 million records. Will began his run in Thame, Oxfordshire on Saturday 10th August and over the next 7 days Will ran 220 miles finishing at the children’s hospice, Rebecca House on the Isle of Man on Saturday 17th August.
The run, Robin’s Run200, was a testament to the mental and physical strength of Will, whose Dad, Ken Graydon was Robin Gibb’s manager. Ken provided support throughout the 7 days. Joining William throughout the event was Robin’s nephew Steven Murphy and William’s close friend Benedict Smith. Cycling alongside William throughout the event, they will have the task of motivating him during lowest points! Steven ran the last day on the Island from Rebecca House through to Peel and back again.
Running in pink y-fronts, specially designed and sewn by the team at Rebecca House on the Island, he was a vision of pink, with his hair a very fetching shade of pink too!
The run will benefit 3 fantastic charities: Hospice Isle of Man: Rebecca House (www.hospice.org.im/rebecca-house) Robin and Dwina Gibb officially opened the children’s hospice on 14th November 2008. The Haig Housing Trust; Coming Home www.haighousingtrust.org.uk; and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity (www.royalmarsden.org).
During the week Will ran to Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, to pay respects to soldiers who have fallen during recent conflicts and have been repatriated through the town.
Robin Gibb was one third of one of the most successful bands of all time; the Bee Gees. With over 200 million records sold, he was firmly cemented with legendary status amongst the musical hall of fame.
He passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer. Doctors stated they were ‘confounded’ by his incredible strength and perseverance during treatment.
The courage showed by Robin during his final months inspired William and his support team to commit to an event that will push them to their limits; something the singer did throughout his life.
William had only run a half marathon before the event so made a huge step up in order to raise as much money as possible. He also had an ‘encounter’ with the police in the UK with the words “indecent exposure” mentioned but it all ended well – he was allowed to continue running.
Will commented: “The idea behind the event was obviously to raise as much awareness and money for these three charities; all of which really make a difference to people’s lives. I also wanted to commemorate Robin, and what better way to remember him by helping the charities that he supported. An emotional Will at the end of the run said: “It has been an amazing adventure, an emotional roller coaster but I am so pleased to have completed this fantastic journey.” I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I have received during my run which has taken me from south Oxford to the Midlands, to Liverpool and finishing in the Isle of Man. I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s best one of the best week's I’ve ever had.”
He added: “I have just run 220 miles just wearing pink Y-fronts, hopefully it will give people another reason to sponsor us; because frankly we looked ridiculous, especially towards the end of the event! Losing all dignity as I run up the country was worth it if we can help these three charities carry on with their great work.” “I would encourage people to still give – I’ve done my bit!”
Hospice Isle of Man: Rebecca House is a children’s wing in the Hospice, Isle of Man. It is a purpose-built facility that opened in November 2007 and it provides respite, palliative and end of life care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions from birth to 18 years. Rebecca House offers a safe haven and a home from home environment in which physical, emotional, recreational and spiritual care is offered and implemented in a way appropriate to the child and their family.
Haig Housing Trust; Coming Home, Coming Home is the charity campaign to raise money to provide specially adapted and appropriate housing for the hundreds of Service personnel in need of rebuilding their lives.
Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre, providing treatment and care for more than 40,000 cancer patients every year.
Robin was a strong supporter of the first two throughout his life, and even after his death well wishers have continued to raise fantastic amounts for both.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has also been included, as the hospital supported close friend and universally loved gent; Charlie Sain-Ley-Berry-Gray over the last two years of his incredible life. Charlie was a close friend of William who sadly lost his battle with cancer aged 24 years old earlier this year.
Please donate here; www.justgiving.com/teams/Robinsrun
RobinsRun Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/RobinsRun200?fref=ts
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