Plumber with heart condition takes on 100-mile run for cousin with rare disorder
A plumber who was once told he should do no more exercise than a brisk walk is running 100 miles non-stop through the Brecon Beacons to raise funds for his cousin, who has a rare genetic disorder.
Alex Mackay, 30, from Bromley, will be setting off on his biggest challenge yet on July 22. He is hoping to complete the run, which includes 20,000ft of elevation, in less than 30 hours.
Mr Mackay, who was once a professional boxer, was told aged 19 that he could no longer practice the sport and should severely restrict his exercise when a medical check found he had a heart condition called subaortic stenosis.
The condition occurs when the flow of blood from the heart’s pumping chamber is restricted.
He said: “At that age you pay no attention to the doctor, so I started doing half marathons, then marathons, then ultramarathons and more.
“Now, at my yearly check up, the doctors say the issue is stable and I should carry on doing what I’m doing.”
Mr Mackay’s cousin, Albert Said, aged seven, from Brentwood, Essex has the extremely rare genetic disorder Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome.
He cannot crawl, walk or talk and relies on adults to meet all his daily needs.
Mr Mackay said: “My son Ollie is only three weeks younger than Albert and as they’ve grown. It’s heartbreaking to see the difference in their development.
“But it got me thinking about how frustrating it was when I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, and how much more severe this is for Albert.
“I’ve done lots of marathons and ultra-marathons, but this is my biggest challenge yet.
“While I’ve always done them just for myself in the past, it made sense to try to raise some money for charity this time, and for a charity close to home.
“Albert’s parents, Carly and Brad, do so much for Albert. I want to do what I can to help.”
Albert will need support from different therapists and rely on equipment to help him become as independent as possible. His annual physio sessions alone cost £4,420.
Albert’s family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families fundraise for children with healthcare needs.
To donate to Albert’s fund, or sponsor Mr Mackay, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/
Pictured top: From left, Alex Mackay on the Brecon Beacons and a picture of Mr Mackay’s cousin, Albert Said (Picture: Alex Mackay)