Fundraising Blackpool surgeon Nidal Bittar to take on London Marathon for charity

He's well used to taking on epic cycling charities in aid of charity, but cardiac surgeon Nidal Bittar has swapped his wheels for running shoes as he prepares for this year's London Marathon.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jan 2018, 11:52 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2018, 11:55 BST
Runners make their way off Tower Bridge during last year's Virgin Money London Marathon. Photo: PARunners make their way off Tower Bridge during last year's Virgin Money London Marathon. Photo: PA
Runners make their way off Tower Bridge during last year's Virgin Money London Marathon. Photo: PA

Mr Bittar, who has cycled across the desert, from the Tower of London to the Eifel Tower and from coast to coast, is takingon the challenge to celebrate his 50 th birthday.

His 26-mile jaunt will raise money for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund’s Heart of Gold Charitable Fund, which supports the Lancashire Cardiac Centre at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and UNICEF’s Children of Syria appeal.

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Mr Bittar, who works as a cardiothoracic surgeon at the hospital and across the North West, said: “I have never been a runner, and didn’t run at all until 2011 when I started training for the Great North Run the following year.

“After that I focussed more on cycling instead, and decided to do something new ahead of my 50th birthday.

Mr Bittar, who started running again in teh summer, added: “I’m not worried about the time on the day. I just want to finish it in one piece.”

Visit his online giving page at www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/mrbittar

Related topics:BlackpoolTower of LondonUNICEF