Friday, 10th October 2008

News Archive

16th July 2003

Oh the agony!

Gary Horobin is a buyer who works with Gary Norton at Bombardier Transportation in Derby.

In a rash moment of madness he sponsored Gary for a recent ½ marathon and added in front of a multitude of reliable witnesses that he would add an extra £100 if the run was completed in less than 2 hours.

Unbeknown to Mr Horobin Gary is a bit of a dark horse when distance running and he managed to complete the course in 1hr 45 minutes. On hearing this Mr Horobin tried to welch on the deal but his work colleagues made his life hell and made him feel so guilty that he finally promised he would do something sponsored to raise the equivalent "extra" amount he'd originally promised.

One bright spark suggested Mr Horobin might take up the challenge of some sponsored training with Gresley Rovers and added there would need to be photographical evidence of the pain and agony suffered.

Gary Horobin

Well, true to the spirit of the challenge Mr Horobin turned up, designer tee shirt, shorts and trainers in hand and, to be perfectly honest, got well and truly stuck in.

At first he 'floated' round the pitch like a finely tuned athlete but then after a couple of minutes the reality set it. And boy did it hurt!

"Come on Gary you're not sitting behind your desk now!" came the calming, soothing and encouraging remarks from Gary Norton who was running the session. "This is no holiday camp you know. You could at least stand up to run and not crawl about on all fours. What do you mean you're tired? You've only just pulled you shirt on and laced up your trainers."

That's better!

Gary Norton then proceeded to "encourage" Mr Horobin for then next 2 hours and credit due he carried on without a sound – possibly because he couldn't speak due to lack of breath.

The crowd that had gathered to witness the event were absolutely amazed that Mr Horobin was still on his feet – well some of the time – at the end.

Everyone who was at the training send their hearty "well done" to him for taking up the challenge and surviving it. Whether he could walk the next day we can only guess at and is he still talking to Gaz?

What of the pledge? Well Mr Horobin has raised more than he at first promised with £150 of sponsorship from colleagues. This will be added to the total that Gary Norton has raised for Marie Curie/Cancer Research, which is well over £1,300.

Just one more thing. Mr Horobin was due to do some more sessions of training…will he turn up!!

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