Just get tutu it- Stewart Jackson is running Dewsbury 10k in ballet dress for his son
Because Stewart Jackson will be donning the outrageous outfit during the Dewsbury 10k for a good cause.
The father of one will be running for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, as both his son William, 12, and his two brothers-in-law, who live in Wheelwright Drive, have the condition.
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Hide AdMr Jackson, of Hollingthorpe Road, Hall Green, has been raising money for the charity for several years, including running London marathons, but wanted to take on a more local challenge
He added: “This is about raising awareness as well as money. William in the past has said he wishes he could do something, so it’s always in the back of my mind that I’m not just doing it to raise money, but I’m doing it for them because they physically can’t.”
Mr Jackson, 49, spoke of the strain that muscular dystrophy, an inherited genetic condition that gradually cause the muscles to weaken, can put on a family. “For the people affected it is really difficult,” he added. “Also caring for someone or having a child with it can be mentally and physically exhausting.”
His brothers-in-law, Steven and Brian, both use wheelchairs and are looked after by their parents, Jean and Malcolm.
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Hide AdMr Jackson, who works as a lecturer at Batley School of Art, said: “Everyone will drag themselves down on Sunday to see me. They always support me, we have a great family support network. My brothers-in-laws inspire me – they are great role models for William.”
The 10k route goes from Dewsbury town centre, up Bradford Road to Birstall Smithies. “It seems like quite a serious race so I think I’ll stand out a bit,” Mr Jackson added.
But he will keep on running after the race – as he plans to run 1,000 miles this year before he hits his 50th birthday in December.
“It’s quite a chunk but I think it’s achievable,” he added. “But it’s a nice even number to get to before I’m 50.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/account/your-pages/StewartJackson1000 to donate.