Former England Rugby star, Lewis Moody, will be swapping his rugby boots for running shoes when he takes part in the 33rd Bath Half Marathon tomorrow.
Moody, who was part of the 2003 World Cup winning side, will be running with a group of 25 people in memory of Matt Hoskins, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last February and sadly passed away in August last year, aged just 32.
Matt ran the BATHALF in 2010, finishing in just one hour and thirty two minutes.
Lewis said: “I didn’t know Matt personally, but I know his brave wife, Laura, who he left behind and their lovely 12 month old daughter. Matt was treated at the cancer unit at the Royal United Hospital and after he passed away, Laura set up the Hoskins Foundation in his memory, to raise money for the hospital and for families that are facing the same difficult circumstances as them, so we will be running to raise money for the foundation this Sunday.
Lewis will be running with his friend, Mark Kendall, who was a good friend of Matt and a close friend to his wife, Laura who has worked for him for the past 12 years at Westview Day Nursery in Bradford-on-Avon.
Mark said: “Matt was a fantastic guy. Ironically, but very sadly, it would have been his birthday this Sunday so this is a great way for us to get together as a group to celebrate his life and raise money for such a worthy cause”.
Lewis, who ended his career at Bath Rugby, won’t be the only ex England Rugby International to make the starting line up at the BATHALF this weekend, with former team mate David Flatman also confirmed to run.
David, who is running the half marathon in aid of the Down’s Syndrome Association, the Burned Children’s Club and Help for Heroes, will also be the official race starter at the event this Sunday.
Mel Taylor, Charity Director at Running High, organisers of the BATHALF added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Lewis and David to Bath this Sunday. They are both running for very worthwhile causes, and we would like to wish them the best of luck with their fundraising goals and of course, with the race itself.
“We are certain that they will be rallied on by the huge crowds as they make their way round the course and we’ll be there to cheer them on as they cross the finish line”.
To donate to Lewis and the team running for the Matt Hoskins Foundation, go to virginmoneygiving.com/hoskinsfoundation.
The 2014 BATHALF will take place this Sunday 2nd March, starting at 11am. This will be followed by the fun run. Both races start and finish on Great Pulteney Street, in Bath’s city centre. For more information, go to www.bathhalf.co.uk.
