England

Man's unusual marathon in memory of soldier

A man is aiming to complete what he claims to be the first marathon to be run at sea which he is undertaking in memory of a soldier who died in an unprovoked attack outside a nightclub.

Steve Eaton, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, is aiming to complete the challenge in his first ever cruise on the Grand Princess Liner on Thursday. (September 22)

The 57-year-old was inspired to carry out the marathon after Staff Sergeant Christopher Chacksfield died following the incident in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in June 2010.

The 31-year-old father who had completed tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Bosnia was waiting for a taxi outside the nightclub with his wife, Adele, a British Army nurse, when he was attacked.

He died as a result of the injuries sustained and leaves behind his wife and young daughter.

In August 2010, Michael Ridley, 22, of Sceptre Place, Newcastle, was jailed for five years at Newcastle Crown Court for manslaughter and unlawful wounding.

Mr Eaton said that Sgt Chacksfield had always wanted to raise funds for Help for Heroes, so he decided to do this unusual run to achieve that goal.

He said: "I am close friends with his parents, Robin and Heather, and I wanted to do something to help ease their grief.

"It's a strange challenge, as far as I can tell I will be the first ever to run a full marathon at sea, on a cruise ship anywhere in the world, and that's what will give me the incentive to complete it."

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises' UK director, said: "When Mr Eaton first asked us if he could run a marathon on board Grand Princess we off course said yes.

"Help for Heroes is a fantastic cause and we hope that Mr Eaton's efforts will raise lots of money for this worthwhile charity."

Mr Eaton will undertake his challenge on Thursday, September 22, when he will run 70 laps of the promenade deck of the ship during the trip to the Mediterranean.

He aims to complete the marathon in approximately 5 hours, taking into account the challenges of running at sea and the stairs at the forward section of the deck.

He will start the run at about 4.30am allowing him to complete the majority of the course before most passengers wake up and go on deck, but allowing them to see him complete it.

To sponsor Mr Eaton and Help For Heroes visit www.bmycharity.com/princessrunningonwater.

Princess Cruises/PA Wire