VIDEO: Tony the Fridge about to begin charity ‘Smeg endurance Challenge’

1 man, 1 fridge, 1,050 miles, 40 days non-stop. John O’Groats to Lands end the hard way: carrying a near 7-stone Smeg fridge.

Tony Phoenix-Morrison, also known as ‘Tony the Fridge’, a passionate fundraiser from Newcastle, is about to attempt to run 40 Marathons in consecutive days along the most unforgiving roads and terrain the UK has to offer carrying a 42.5kg Smeg FAB10 Fridge, all in aid of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the charity set up in memory of late England and Newcastle Manager, Sir Bobby Robson, to help detect and treat cancer early.

Tony carries the fridge as a tribute to people who have been affected by cancer and have been or are currently battling the disease. Having lost

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close loved ones, family members & friends over the years he has experienced first-hand how devastating this disease can be and so decided to dedicate his life to raising awareness and fundraising in this unique and extraordinary way. As an organisation, Smeg also has been touched by cancer and wanted todo something positive to help combat the disease & support Tony’s journey, in the form of selecting this cause as the company’s national charity of the year 2013.

He first made the national news when he completed the 2011 Great North Run carrying a fridge, and then again in August 2012 when he famously completed 30 Great North Runs in 30 Days, hitting hit the headlines; championed by Chris Evans and Alan Shearer, amongst others. Tony has ontinued to enter and complete in excess of 50 road races half & full marathons and even successfully completed a 12 hour treadmill challenge wearing his trusty 7-stone Smeg fridge.

In April 2013 Tony took on arguably the most difficult challenge so far, a 67.1 miles non-stop 24-hour run around Newcastle’s Quayside, which was an outstanding success but of course so physically and mentally demanding. However, Tony just had to push himself further.

August 2013 Tony sets off on the ‘Smeg Endurance Challenge’ from John O’Groats to Lands End - running the full length of the country. Tony will tempt to break the world record in the process, running over 1,050+ miles across 40 days, equating a full marathon each day, with the weight of approximately 40 litres of water on his back, just to make it harder of course.

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Tony conceded that this latest challenge may be “a fridge too far” and went on to say “ I have never actually run 2 back to back marathons with a fridge let alone 40! But my awareness and fundraising campaign is all about tackling what is thought to be impossible and making it to the other side” “Cancer can beat you to your knees if you let it! My efforts are a tribute to the fighters and hopefully an inspiration to the sufferers not to give in” I have no doubt each day will be a fight for survival but I am ready for the challenge and fully accept the struggle and toil I am about to face”.

John Davies, Brand Manager, Smeg UK commented “As an organisation, Smeg has been affected directly and indirectly by the pain and sadness caused by cancer. As a family run business with a commitment to the local communities we serve, we felt strongly about helping in every way we can to join in to combat this disease’. Davies went on to say ‘ We truly believe in the extraordinary fundraising efforts of Tony the Fridge in aid of the Bobby Robson Foundation, to help detect and treat cancer early. We’re behind Tony every single step of the way as our national charity

of the year 2013”

The Route

Tony sets off from John O’Groats, heading south towards Inverness, then across the Cairngorms into Edinburgh, tackling ascents of 1,500 ft along the way. From here he will run south-east along the A68 to his hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Upon departure Tony will continue south, passing through York then onto Nottingham. After Leicester he hits Milton Keynes before arriving in the capital. Leaving London Tony will run south west for the final leg of the journey, reaching the south coast at Southampton, before following the coast line westerly past Exeter and on to Lands End. 1,053 miles, the hard way.

How can you help?

1) Why not come along and help cheer Tony along the route? Your support and donations will be extremely valued.

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2) For up to date information on the route, please visit tonythefridge

3) Also, why not follow Tony the Fridge’s journey on Facebook and Twitter.

How can I donate to this fantastic cause?

Please visit Tony’s Just Giving page or text FRID93 £5 to 70070. The Bobby Robson Foundation is registered charity no: 1057213

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