​Nottingham runner celebrates 2,000 mile year-long mission with Charity Ball

Nottingham fundraiser Dominic Bowen, 38, is inviting local residents to a Gangsters and Molls Charity Ball to celebrate the end of his year-long fundraising mission for the Stroke Association.

Dominic embarked on a demanding year of fundraising for the charity in September 2016, running 24 half marathons, 15 marathons, one ultra marathon (50k) and covering 2,000 miles in total. The challenge will culminate in the Ikano Bank Robin Hood Marathon in September 2017, before the fundraising evening at the Alea Casino in Nottingham on Saturday 30 September, from 7pm-2am.

Dominic was inspired to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association to mark 20 years since his grandmother Hilda Law passed away after multiple strokes. His mother, Denny Bowen, also had a stroke in July 2016 after a bleed on the brain, leaving her without the use of her left arm and leg. After spending seven weeks in hospital and undergoing intensive physiotherapy, Denny has started to regain the use of her left leg, however still has a way to go before she recovers the movement in her arm.

In addition to covering 2,000 miles at events and training runs including the Virgin London Marathon and Great North Run, Dominic is planning a Gangsters and Molls evening to give his fundraising total a final boost.

Dominic said: “2017 is the 20th anniversary since my Nan passed away so this, combined with what my mum has been through, spurred me on to raise vital funds. So far I’ve completed 13 marathons, 18 half marathons and 1,536 miles in 9 months, so I'm well on target. The toughest part of my challenge so far has been running three marathons in 14 days, but I’m hoping that it will be plain sailing from now! I’ve chosen to raise money for the Stroke Association to help other families like mine get the support they need.”

Louise Knight, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Dominic is truly going the extra mile for the Stroke Association by taking on this awe-inspiring series of fundraising events over the coming year. Without the efforts of fundraisers like Dominic, we wouldn’t be able to support the 1.2 million people across the UK who are currently living with the devastating effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”

The ball will be hosted by BBC Radio Nottingham’s Mark Dennison with drinks on arrival, a three course meal with wine, auction hosted by BBC’s Bargain Hunt’s Charles Hanson, close up magic by magician Roy Bond and a DJ. Athlete and inspirational speaker Luke Wigman will be the guest speaker on the evening. Tickets cost £45 each or a table of 10 for £400. For more details, email dominicbowen78@justanotherrunner.co.uk and to purchase tickets www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gangsters-molls-charity-ball-in-support-of-the-stroke-association-tickets-35203712251.