Only a few years after breaking his hip, the CEO of an East Midlands car supermarket is taking on the TCS London Marathon to raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Michael Bell, CEO of AvailableCar Ltd, which is in Castle Donington and Sutton-in-Ashfield, is aiming to raise thousands of pounds when he takes on one of the world’s biggest marathons on Sunday 27 April.
AvailableCar Ltd has supported Rainbows since 2008 and has raised over £1.4m in that time.
For Michael (39), completing the TCS London Marathon will also be a personal challenge. In 2019, he had to retire from the event due to injury.
“Firstly, to raise money for Rainbows is such an incredible privilege. And for me, the London Marathon is like a scratch that I have never itched. When I was running it in 2019, I started to get a niggle in my hip. Then I got pain and on mile 19, I heard a pop,” said Michael.
“I was helped to first aid and was taken to A&E. I had a broken hip, which was caused by running and over training, and I had to have two operations.
“This will be my first full marathon since I broke my hip, and I am a little nervous. But for me, to have a bit of pain for three or four hours, will be worth it to raise money for Rainbows.
“I love supporting Rainbows. It is an amazing place and touches so many people across the whole of the East Midlands.
“Rainbows is so encompassing, it isn’t just what they do for the babies, young people and children, it is about everything they do for the families, especially siblings.
“Every bit of support Rainbows gives along the way is unbelievable. The care everyone gets and the experiences they are offered; it is absolutely magical, and families make memories that will last forever.
“I wanted to give something back to the community and I thank everyone who is supporting me.”
Neil Swift, Rainbows Supporter Experience Officer, added: “To recover from a broken hip and two surgeries to take on a marathon is really remarkable, and we are delighted to have Michael as part of Team Rainbows.
“The London Marathon is a great event for our charity and this year, we have 14 people taking on the event and we are grateful for all of their support. Every penny they raise goes towards the care of more than 750 babies, children and young people wherever they need us – at the hospice, in hospital or at home.
“We wish Michael and all of our runners the best of luck.”
To sponsor Michael, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/michael-bell-2
