Chester FC director Ed Jones is undertaking another mammoth fundraising challenge this weekend in support of Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women.
Lifelong Blues supporter Ed has shed more than eight stone in a little over 12 months after he was diagnosed with sleep apnoea, a condition which interrupts breathing during sleep.
A test showed Ed was waking 38 times an hour during the night, contributing to him gaining weight and feeling fatigued doing the smallest things.
He signed up to Weight Watchers in April 2015 and began a new exercise regime which has seen him complete a number of walking challenges to raise money for good causes.
Ed's list of accomplishments includes the Trans Pennine Mighty Hike, the High Peak Winter Hike and the Lyke Wake Walk.
On Saturday he will face his toughest test to date, walking 100km from Denby Dale in West Yorkshire to the Blind Veterans Centre in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in the space of 24 hours.
Ed, who lives in Llay with his wife Jane and daughter Tilly, said: “This is the biggest challenge of my life without question. I’ve trained hard and I am determined to succeed.
“I had gained quite a bit of weight as well before I got diagnosed which turned out to be because of my sleep apnoea. After I got help to be able to rest at night I started slowly but surely to increase my fitness levels - I felt like a completely new person.
“It has become part of my life now. The more I lose weight and get fit the easier I find walking and events. The 100k for Blind Veterans UK is of a completely different level and I’m very much looking forward to it.
“I read about a local guy called Shaun Stocker who is supported by the charity. You realise that there are a lot of people in worse conditions than yourself and you want to give something back to a worthy cause.”
“Not finishing the 100k for Blind Veterans UK is not an option for me. I will get across that finish line no matter what.”
Anyone who would like to support Ed can donate via www.justgiving.com/Ed-Jones100k .
