Today (5th April) The Big Issue has announced that its Ambassador Christopher Eccleston will run the London Marathon to support its work with people living in poverty.
Having just turned 60, Eccleston is marking this milestone birthday by raising money and boosting awareness of the many ways the Big Issue is helping people to work their way out of poverty. The public can sponsor him, with all proceeds raised going to the Big Issue.
Christopher Eccleston said: “To be wearing the Big Issue colours is incredible. I’ve just turned 60. The last one I ran was when I was 50. So, my plan is to run at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100. And then I’ll retire!
“I’ll be happy just to get round the course. I think I’ll be okay at 20 miles, but I don’t know where I’m going to find that next six miles.
“The training has been going okay. I really stepped it up at the end of last year. I played Scrooge at the Old Vic before Christmas and that really helped because it was so physical. But 26 miles is 26 miles.”
Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue and House of Lords crossbench peer, said: “We are lucky enough to have Christopher running the London Marathon for us this year.