Bridgnorth Endowed minibus driver and local fundraising hero, Dana Power, is preparing to run his ninth London Marathon at the end of this month.
Dana, who is 64, started running nine years ago, after watching the Great North Run and feeling inspired.
In 2013, Asthma UK were looking for someone to run as their mascot, Puff the Dragon, and Dana agreed to do it as a last resort if no one else came forward.
The rest, as they say, is history and Dana, who is also known as Puff the Bridgnorth Dragon, has run thousands of miles dressed head to toe in green and purple.
In total, Dana has raised almost £40,000 for various charities, the main one being Asthma UK as he suffers from asthma himself. By the end of the 2019 London Marathon, he is hoping to have raised £27,000 for them.
When asked what time he’s aiming for at this year’s London Marathon, Dana revealed: “At my age it’s about finishing lines not finishing times, but I’m hoping to complete it in around 5½ to 6 hours.”
“My quickest marathon as Puff is 4 hours 40, but training hasn’t gone too well this year due to excruciating knee pain.”
“Saying that, I WILL be at the start line in Greenwich on Sunday 28th April and I WILL get to the finish line on The Mall.”
Over the years, he’s built an impressive track record, completing a total of thirteen marathons all over the world, including New York, Chicago, Berlin, Philadelphia and Brighton, as well as more than fifty half marathons.
Dana, who’s been a minibus driver at Bridgnorth Endowed School for almost a year, is hugely grateful for all the support he’s received from his family, especially his wife, Tina, and the Bridgnorth community.
“Fundraising has been a massive part of my life over the past nine years and I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the fantastic support that has enabled me to raise nearly £40,000 for charity.”
To help Dana fundraise, please go to: Virginmoneygiving.com/DanaPower63 →
