Lucky-to-be-alive runner in Towers race for Heroes (From The Bolton News)

Lucky-to-be-alive runner in Towers race for Heroes

12:40pm Tuesday 21st July 2009

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A RUNNER who survived a motorway car crash is challenging himself to run from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower.

Billy Isherwood, aged 58, is lucky to be alive after his vehicle was hit by an articulated lorry on the M62 earlier this year.

The marathon runner says he is is one of only 178 people in the world to complete the Atacama Desert Crossing in Chile.

He completed the gruelling 150-mile race across some of the toughest terrain known to man in 71 hours.

Mr Isherwood, who was born in Farnworth, is getting his running back on track and is now planning a 600-mile challenge to raise money for Help For Heroes.

He said: “I am so lucky to be alive. About six weeks after I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and keep having nightmares.

“Now I want to do this run in the hope that it will aid my recovery and raise a lot of money for soldiers who have to deal with awful situations every day.”

Mr Isherwood is setting off in September and hopes to return to Blackpool on November 11.

He is appealing for someone with a campervan to accompany him on the trip.

Mr Isherwood can be contacted on 07772484267 or email atacamabilly @yahoo.co.uk

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