Gumpathon 2010

A sports injury therapist has made a plea to businesses to back a unique two month long US coast to coast ‘Gumpathon’ – a 3,500 mile  endurance test in which six British and American marines - including a triple amputee - aim to raise thousands of  pounds for Armed Forces charities, including Help for Heroes.

Jules Payne (46) who runs her own sports injury clinic in Peterborough, will be on hand every day to help keep the soldiers on track with her professional therapy skills.

Says Jules, whose own son Tom is a serving marine, “The Gumpathon has been inspired by the film Forrest Gump.  These amazing soldiers plan to run  an average of 20 miles each day on the trip from New York to Santa Monica – and incredibly, Mark Ormrod, a triple amputee marine who was horrifically injured in Afghanistan, will contribute to the cause by aiming to complete a mile a day on specially designed running legs. He will have to endure agonising pain every day for two months.”

Jules’ most recent support has come from Patterson Medical who have generously supplied a range of products that will enable her to keep the team in tip top condition. As well as a selection of bandages, oils and creams, Patterson Medical have also supplied a CryoCuff compression system, which is a vital aid to rapid recovery from muscular damage. ‘I had a fantastic response from Patterson Medical as soon as I got in touch. It’s great to see a company like this supporting The Gumpathon so generously in this challenging economic times,’ said Jules.

Individuals can donate via the website at www.thegumpathon.com, but Jules is also keen to hear from businesses that may be able to pledge money. ‘The Gumpathon isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s about raising money,’ she says. ‘I’d like to think there are some generous businesses that would be prepared to donate money to the cause.’