In August of 2020, Bristol Rovers superfan Nik Weeks, took on the crazy challenge of running five marathons in five days, finishing at the famous Memorial Gates and raising £13,300 pounds for TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula – a rare condition that can be found in new-born babies) and Bristol Rovers Community Trust.
To celebrate the euphoric 7-0 promotion, win against Scunthorpe last season, Nik has challenged himself to run seven marathons, (That’s right, SEVEN marathons) in seven days, raising money for the Community Trust. And he’s looking for some help, from fellow Gasheads.
Nik said “I’ve had an itch that I’ve needed itching for a while. The last event was during the pandemic, so we never got to finish on a matchday and also my dad was diagnosed with cancer two weeks before, so he was unable to see me cross the Memorial Gates. Thankfully he’s much better now so to have him there would be very special. To coincide the challenge with that amazing 7-0-win last May is a great way to involve the fans”
“The Community Trust was so supportive during the last challenge, and I’ve made some excellent friendships with the staff there. The work that they did during the pandemic was incredible and as we’re a community and family club, I feel that the Community Trust is the bedrock of our football club, and we should all be proud of.”
“I’m also looking for a minimum of seven ‘Gas Heads’ who’d like to train and take part in one of the legs. The support was so good last time that it would be great to have more members of the ‘Gas Family’ to get involved with challenge.”
Bristol Rovers Community Trust CEO, Adam Tutton, said “When Nik came into our office and told us about this challenge, we were all gobsmacked. We are so grateful that he’s taking on the 7 For 7 Challenge to benefit the Community Trust and we’ll be there to support him every step of the way. The funds raised will make an enormous difference for many people within our communities and I’m sure that the ‘Gas Family’ will get behind Nik to support him during his training and of course, during the challenge itself.”
Nik has already started his training and will be planning to take on this unbelievable challenge during the week before The Gas host Portsmouth at The Memorial Stadium on Saturday, March 18th.
If you would like to join Nik during one of the legs, please contact (info@bristolroverscommunity.org.uk). If you would like to donate to the 7 for 7 Challenge, please click HERE.