Stephen Miller's Sport Relief Challenge
Stephen Miller
Cramlington paralympian and Northumberland Sport Board Member Stephen Miller is about to take on his most ambitious charity challenge yet. The triple gold medal-winning champion will attempt to take his club-throwing skills to a new level this month.
In an audacious feat held at Gateshead Stadium, Stephen plans to "throw a mile", meaning he will have to throw the club around once every minute to cover the distance.
The event will raise money for Comic Relief's Sport Relief charity, for whom Stephen recently became an ambassador.
And it will be a personal tribute to Stephen's father, who sadly passed away last month after many years inspiring and encouraging his son's charity work.
Stephen said: "I thought I'd do something a bit more challenging for Sport Relief 2010.
"On the February 23 I'm going to attempt to throw the club consecutively for a mile in less than an hour.
"I will need to throw at least a club a minute and need to average about 30 metres.
"When you consider my average for the last competitive season was 31 metres, it's not going to be easy."
Writing on his blog, Stephen said the death of his father has been extremely difficult, but has also helped to inspire him in his latest sporting spectacle.
The 29-year-old wrote: "It has been a very tough few weeks for me and my family with the death of my dad.
"The support of family and friends has been amazing.
"The turnout for my dad's funeral at Whitley Bay was unbelievable, but quite fitting for such a humble man who will be missed so dearly.
"My dad was such a strong person and he would've wanted me to press on with Sport Relief and take on my challenge of throwing a mile.
"I am, as ever, eternally indebted to my mum who continues to support me even in these terrible circumstances.
"Dad was very proud of what I'm doing for Sport Relief this year, and that will give me the strength to take on this challenge whilst still coming to terms with life without him."
For more information about Stephen Miller's challenge and to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/throwing-a-mile
Northumberland Sport have also organised a Sport Relief Mile at Druridge Bay on 21st March 2010. For more information visit the events page.
