By Mike Rowbottom

April 7 - Richard Whitehead (pictured), the Nottingham-based double amputee half-marathon world record holder, has been announced as an ambassador for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.


Whitehead took part in his first race for the Trust in the Race Your Pace Half Marathon in Windsor, an event put on by leading endurance event specialists Human Race.

The event, held at the London 2012 venue of Dorney Lake, was the first of a series of events for which the DKH Legacy Trust is the beneficiary charity, and Whitehead will be encouraging young people to sign up as one of "Kelly’s Charity Runners" in order to boost funds.

"I'm proud to be announced as an ambassador for the DKH Legacy Trust," said Whitehead, who broke his own world record last month at the Reading Half Marathon. 

"Growing up, I was inspired by Terry Fox a cancer victim and leg amputee.

"He proved to me that with a big heart and the will to succeed, you can overcome almost any barriers which are put in front of you.

"Hopefully though my work with the Trust I'll be able to inspire others, to enable them to obtain and exceed their goals."

The DKH Legacy Trust raises funds to be able to run the projects with young people, and it has recently launched "Kelly's Charity Runners" which encourages people to join Dame Kelly's team and fundraise for this good cause.

Dame Kelly, the Trust’s chairman, commented: "Having Richard on board as an ambassador supporting our charity fundraisers will really inspire them to reach their target, and in time will help us reach more young people through our projects.

"I am delighted that he has joined our team."

The Trust, which held its first National Conference at Trent Bridge earlier this month, seeks to engage elite sports performers have finished competing in seeking new career options working with young people in sport and community programmes.


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 Whitehead smashes world half-marathon record again
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February 2010: Whitehead breaks world record for half-marathon