Sunderland man who beat Covid twice aims to break his own Guinness World Record

A dad-of-two, who beat Covid-19 twice, is to attempt to break his own Guiness World Record in a mammoth challenge.
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Lee Williamson from Penshaw is set to take on his own half marathon Guinness World Record on Saturday, May 1, at Silksworth Sports Complex Track as part of a challenge to raise money for four different charities.

Fifty-year-old Lee will be attempting six Guinness World Records to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support, The Stroke Association, MIND, and the Make A Wish Foundation.

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Lee will be attempting to break his own Guinness World Record as part of the challenge.Lee will be attempting to break his own Guinness World Record as part of the challenge.
Lee will be attempting to break his own Guinness World Record as part of the challenge.

Speaking about the challenge, Lee said: “We all have our struggles; it’s how we face them that defines us. There’s a lot of laughter in our house and we are not the type of people to be downcast.

“I lost my career as a chef as a result of epilepsy many years ago, I’m in a wheelchair as a result of a stroke and have struggled with my mental health at times.

"But I am very much a fighter and an optimist. I never want my World Records to be held for long, I want them to inspire other people living with disability to have a go and beat them.

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"World Record attempts should be all inclusive and taken on by anyone with the right mind set and motivation. That’s what I’m trying to prove.”

Lee was one of the first people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the North East in March 2020 and contracted it again in January this year – both times he was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

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He added: “It was a very frightening experience, but I’m determined and have bounced back and have taken medical advice that my training helped me overcome Covid and will help with continued rehabilitation following persistent long Covid symptoms.

“I’m confident of beating my original half marathon time as I actually injured my foot in 2019; so barring any further mishaps a better time is definitely achievable.”

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You can follow Lee’s journey and donate to him by visiting his fundraising page by clicking here.

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