Alness boxer goes the distance to help wheelchair-bound man expand his horizons
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A TEENAGE boxing star who took on one of the most gruelling challenges of his life at the weekend to help a pal with a life-limiting condition has been hailed a hero.
Ewan Gliniecki (14) has touched hearts far beyond his Alness home after pounding out four-mile runs every four hours over a strength-sapping 48-hour period to help Dylan Bogue raise money for an all-terrain wheelchair that would hugely expand his horizons.
As reported last week, Dylan (21), who shares Ewan's lust for life, lives with Duchene muscular dystrophy and is currently limited to travelling a mile by wheelchair before it needs recharged. He has taken on his own challenge of completing a marathon in his wheelchair – a mile at a time – over a 25-day period.
Ewan's dad Michael Gliniecki said: "He came into the living room last week and said 'I want to do this challenge to raise money for Dylan, can you help me set up a fundraising page?'. So he had already decided to do it and when Ewan decides he is doing something he does it. So, we researched it, and set up a gofundme page.
"Ewan wanted to help Dylan raise all the funds needed to purchase a new all-terrain wheelchair. If Dylan gets that chair, which will cost around £16,000, it will be life-changing for him. He had everything planned out and it was not the easiest of runs. He ran for four miles every four hours. We have been told that even the fittest of champions would struggle with that kind of gruelling regime."
Mr Gliniecki explained: "I don't think Ewan got more than a few hours sleep over the 48 hours. Navy SEALs use this type of training to help them overcome sleep deprivation. And I can see why. If Ewan wasn't getting ready to go out a run, he was coming in, having a shower and trying to get his head down. He was an absolute star at the challenge, and he didn't complain once. He found it tough though."
Praise has poured in from scores of supporters who helped him smash his £200 target, raising well over £1500 and counting for Dylan. Lynne Campbell said: "So good to see a fit and health young man helping someone less fortunate than himself and to set such a gruelling challenge. You're a credit to your family."
Several people within the boxing and fitness fraternity also sent Ewan messages of support.
Ewan's fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michael-gliniecki-1.
Related: Alness man seeks to expand horizons with a new set of wheels
Young boxer's performance 'amongst the finest'
