Man tackling 'wheelie' hard half-marathon event

Not content with running the London Marathon with a fridge on his back or in a pair of sliders, a fundraiser is taking on his next challenge - but this time, with a wheelie bin.

Daniel Fairbrother, from Stevenage, will compete in the St Albans Half Marathon as "The Bin-credible Hulk", while carrying a 30kg (66lb) bin he got permission to use from the borough council.

He said the bin would be more difficult than the fridge as it was "bigger and heavier", and could get knocked "all over the show" by the wind.

He added that between training runs he had been keeping it in his living room, "as it's too precious to have outside". His challenge will raise money for two young disabled girls.

Fairbrother, 37, said: "I've got the bin propped up next to the sofa. I lower myself down, I get the straps as tight as I can, and hopefully I can stand up.

"It's a good half a foot taller than the fridge and it's going to weigh about 5kg (11lb) more.

"It's bigger and heavier, it's a lot more difficult, more challenging.

"Obviously it's a large shape, a large mass on my back.

"The wind catches it, the slightest breeze, and it's knocking me all over the show, so it just uses up extra energy."

Fairbrother added that his knees had "already taken quite a pounding" during training.

"I can feel the shin splints coming back - I've got to be really careful."

He said he had not prepared for the hills in the St Albans event, on 14 June, which were pointed out on the event's website, admitting: "I did miss when I booked it."

He is taking part to raise money for twin sisters Harper and Marlowe, five, who have cerebral palsy and are close family friends.

"I've got to know the girls over the last few years, and they're amazing.

"They're the brightest, bubbliest girls you'll ever meet.

"Their parents are endlessly trying to fundraise for additional therapy, intensive therapy and physio sessions, along with equipment. I've always wanted to do my little bit for them."

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