Three-time Grand Slam winner Ryan Jones embarks on arduous isolation fund-raising challenge

Ex-Wales Grand Slam winner Ryan Jones has come up with a novel way to raise funds for his local area health board – running a marathon in his garden. 

Confined to home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 39-year-old Welsh Rugby Union performance director is ready to see if his body has what it takes to complete the gruelling task this Saturday and raise some funds for a good cause.

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Supporting a campaign to raise extra resources for the Swansea Bay University LHB charitable fund, the 2005, 2008 and 2012 Grand Slam champion has set up a Just Giving page that has already raised more than he initially envisaged. 

Jones set a modest total of £500 as his target but he has already raised five times that amount with a day still to go before his marathon run.

Outlining what he is up to, Jones said: “Like many, I am confined to my home and as this situation plays out before me, I am just amazed at the strength of the human spirit and the generosity of so many.

“Those giving of their time not because it’s a job but because they care, those putting the risk to their own health to one side because they care you truly are an inspiration and I just wanted to try and support you.

“I can’t do a lot and I certainly haven’t really thought this one through. I’m hoping I can raise £500 for my local NHS trust by running a marathon in my garden this Saturday – it’s in the region of 700 lengths. I’ll let you know when I finish.

“It’s my intention to re-instate my Instagram and will try to post throughout – ryanjonesonline.”

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