A local man, who has been spotted running around the streets of Melksham in a rhino suit, took part in the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April, to raise money for Save the Rhino International.
Dale Hayward completed the 26-mile marathon dressed as a rhino in six hours and 44 minutes and has raised a £1,200 for the charity that works to conserve the five rhino species.
Dale said, “The event was absolutely amazing. Surprisingly, I don’t feel as bad as I thought I would and I am injury free but have several large blisters on my feet. When I got to the finish line, I was quite tearful and I did a dance when I crossed it.
“It’s really difficult to run in the suit because you can’t see or hear properly so I missed nearly every landmark apart from the Tower Bridge and Cutty Sark. I basically had to find people that had really bright trousers and follow them. But surprisingly, I did hear a lot because people were so loud! It was so nice to hear all the children calling out in support.
“I advise anyone to do it, to raise money and challenge themselves, it was incredible.”
Dale plans to be at the Melksham parkrun on Saturday 29th April, where he’ll be the race director for the event.
To donate and support Dale, visit his Just Giving page, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dale-hayward-2023
