Lizard police inspector to run 100 miles of mountains (From Falmouth Packet)

Lizard police inspector to run 100 miles of mountains

9:46am Tuesday 24th July 2012 in News By Emma Ferguson, News Editor

Less than three years after making a miraculous recovery from a life changing cycling accident a police inspector is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of his life this weekend. 

It was a personal vow while lying flat on his back in hospital - after suffering 11 broken bones (four in his neck) and a serious a head injury - that is leading John Trott, now a detective chief inspector, to take part in a 100-mile run across the mountainous regions of the Lake District next weekend.

The test of endurance must be completed in 40 hours and has a 50 to 60 per cent failure rate.

Mr Trott, who lives in The Lizard , will be taking part in the Lakeland 100 event to raise money for two charities, both with a personal connection.

Part of the money will go to Children's Hospice South West, which helped look after a friend's baby, Rose, who was born in December last year and sadly died on January 6 just a few weeks old.

The rest will go to Sturge-Weber Foundation UK, a voluntary support group for families and adult sufferers affected by Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that Mr Trott's sister-in-law suffers.

The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' follows a circular route encompassing the whole of the lakeland fells, including in the region of 6,300 meters of ascent. There are 14 manned checkpoints on the course which are compulsory to visit.

Mr Trott said: “A finisher's medal in the Lakeland 100 is possibly one of the most treasured possessions I will ever receive. “There will be few things in life for which I will have to work so hard, show commitment, desire and the simple stubbornness to keep going.”

It was in September 2009 that Mr Trott was airlifted to the closest hospital in order to try and stabilise him from life threatening injuries, before he spent time in a specialist hospital.

He said: “I am so lucky to be alive and not to be paralysed in anyway shape or form.

“I decided when I was lying flat on my back in hospital that I would try and complete the Montane 100 mile Ultra Tour of the Lake District run.”

His wife Cara persuaded him to attempt a 50-mile event initially and then consider the 100 miles depending on the result. After successfully completing 50 miles last year in a time of 17 hours, 31 minutes, he was hooked.

Mr Trott hopes to raise £1,000 for the two charities and has a fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/teams/JohnTrott, where donations can be made.