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Published on February 14, 2010
Local man put through his paces for charity
Dave Madsen (42) from Reigate to run the London Marathon for family bereavement charity, Jigsaw4u
Reigate father of two Dave Madsen is preparing to run this year's London Marathon to raise essential funds for local family bereavement charity Jigsaw4u, which is based in East Grinstead (with groups in Reigate and Epsom).
This is the first year that the charity has been awarded a place on the world's biggest running event, which raised a total of £50.6million for charitable causes last year alone.
It is also the first time that Mr Madsen has entered the event, which is something he has wanted to do for years. The opportunity came up thanks to a serendipitous meeting between a Jigsaw4u manager and Mr Madsen's wife!
"The opportunity to run for Jigsaw came about by a chance meeting between my wife and Carol Bason [Service Manager at the Jigsaw4u East Grinstead] two days before Christmas," said Mr Madsen. "During a general conversation, Carol happened to mention the charity and her search for a Marathon runner to represent it and within 10 minutes I found myself being volunteered by my wife to run for Jigsaw in the London Marathon!"
Mr Madsen has been training hard for the event, which takes place on Sunday 17 April 2011 and is hoping to raise hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
"I first heard about Jigsaw4u when a close friend tragically lost her husband," said Mr Madsen. "Jigsaw4u was there to provide invaluable support to her and her three children. I am looking forward to the challenge and will do my best to raise as much funds as possible for this very worthwhile cause."
Mr Madsen describes himself as a fairly seasoned runner who already has two full marathons under his belt.
"I have successfully completed two marathons - one in Ottawa, Canada, and the Italian Marathon in Carpi - both in just under four hours (though I was a lot younger!)," said Mr Madsen.
Even though his job with global packaging firm Tetra Pak regularly takes him around the world, he dutifully packs his trainers and running gear wherever he goes, clocking up as many as 47 miles (75 kilometres) per week, whether in Sweden, Brazil or closer to home in Reigate.
"From experience, I have learnt that it is vital that I stay injury free over the coming weeks. This can play tricks with your mind because you need to stretch yourself and feel some pain to improve. My work schedule also plays havoc with my training as most weeks I am travelling abroad."
Approximately 50 children and young people are bereaved of a parent everyday in the UK and many more are bereaved of a sibling. It is vital that these vulnerable young people are provided with information and support to help them through this devastating experience. This is what Jigsaw4u strives to do.
Carol Bason, Service Manager, Jigsaw4u said:
"We are all absolutely delighted that Dave has offered to represent Jigsaw4u at this prestigious but extremely tough running event.
"As we receive no income from government agencies, we have to rely on donations and grants that we apply to from various sources, as well as money generated by fundraising efforts such as this. The essential money that Dave will raise will enable us to provide valuable grief support to families across our local area.
"We wish him the very best of luck with his training and for the big day and we will be sure to cheer him on at various points along the course."
To put your support behind Dave and Jigsaw4u, visit our sponsorship page or call 01342 313895 for further information.
