A determined Bothwell plumber is set to run 390 miles from Hampden to Wembley ahead of Scotland’s clash against England.
Big-hearted Alex Woodward, who has been on an emotional roller coaster himself since August, aims to complete one marathon, each day for 15 days, to raise money for charity.
Alex hopes to arrive outside the stadium on June 11 in time for the Euro 2021 game kicking off.
He is raising cash to help build a new community centre at the heart of Glasgow Green, alongside Finnart Academy.
The centre will provide a vital service for all underprivileged children in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Alex owns a plumbing and heating company, and has joined with many other local businesses who are fundraising.
Having had a tough last few months the former Holy Cross High student has never let his health problems stand in his way of helping others, and has his own personal reasons for wanting to take on such a big challenge.
The 27-year-old, who was born in London before moving to Hamilton when he was three, explained: “In August 2020 I was diagnosed with a tumour. After a 30-mile run I urinated blood for three days and was advised to visit a doctor.
“After a CT scan in Monklands Hospital, I was told a few weeks later that I had a 6cm tumour located on a nerve in my lower back.
“Three weeks later, I then went for a MRI scan to determine whether or not I had cancer.
“Despite waiting for a further three weeks, I received a call to inform myself that the medical team were not sure and underqualified to give me a correct diagnosis. They referred me to the bone and soft tissue specialists at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
“They immediately wasted no time and scheduled myself in for a CT biopsy. This meant lying in the CT scan machine whilst they placed a needle through my muscle, underneath my spine and directly at the tumour to retract a sample for testing.
“With the tumour being on my nerve I can safely say it was incredibly uncomfortable and I would not recommend a CT biopsy.
“With the biopsy complete I had a 10-day period to wait for results as to whether or not I had cancer. Luckily, the samples came back and the doctors confirmed to me that I did not have cancer. I have never felt relief like it, as the whole three to four-month process of this had serious effects on my mental wellbeing and my livelihood throughout the entire process.”
Unfortunately for Alex, his journey didn’t end there. After more meetings with doctors he was told he may sill need surgery, which could result in him losing his ability to walk and control his right leg as the tumour was situated on that nerve.
Alex added: ”I had to wait four weeks for the medical team to plan and decide if surgery was to go ahead. During this time I ran the virtual Boston Marathon. It was scheduled in April but cancelled due to Covid. Despite the medical situation, I was never going to let anything stop me from gaining that medal, having worked so hard to qualify for the race.
“After four weeks, they stated that they did not need to go ahead with surgery, just as long as I don’t feel any physical pain – which I don’t. However, if I begin to feel pain then the seven-hour surgical procedure to remove the tumour will go ahead.
“Luckily again, after more research they discovered that instead of loss of function for my whole leg, it would only affect my right foot, meaning I would not be able to lift it.
“Despite it being the most difficult period of my life, where I was challenged and found myself in places mentally that I don’t think I will ever visit again, I feel incredibly fortunate that I have been gifted a complete new lease of life.
“The fact I have a 6cm tumour, and went through all the scans and appointments just to be told I can function and live as normal makes me incredibly grateful, and has given me a truer, more pure understanding of life.
“I want to celebrate being able to function healthily and turn a negative year into a positive one — and complete this challenge and make a real change.”
Alex got involved in Finnart AFC after learning about the club from a close friend.
Finnart AFC was established in Bridgeton by Philip Blair in 1979, with the main aim to create a community club and safe atmosphere and environment for teenagers to play and enjoy football.
The club worked hard to bring different sectors of Glasgow’s East End together .
The club’s ethos has continued through the years bringing many ethnic origins, geographical areas and skill sets together to enjoy football.
Due to the growth and ambition of the club and their previous charity work, the management committee feel that now is the time for Finnart AFC to create their own home and legacy.
Alex is keen to help the club get their project off to a great start by raising as much as he can for them.
He said: “I just hope people and businesses will get behind this venture.
“After what I have been through myself I wanted to help build something that is going to have a lasting legacy for these children.”
During Alex’s marathon effort he will be joined along the way by friends and family who will meet him at various stops and hotels.
Others will join him and complete their own daily marathons in a bid to keep him motivated.
Alex added: “It’s a team effort and it would be great to just see if people could help along the way in any way they can.”
If you would like to donate to Alex’s cause, go to his JustGiving page.
