Alfreton dad smashes first ever marathon raising over £6,000 to help friend's baby

An Alfreton dad touched by the plight of his friend’s baby born with a rare genetic syndrome was motivated to run his first marathon to raise funds for specialist treatment.
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Darren ‘Daz’ Smith ran a 26 mile route starting from his home on Primrose Hill, Blackwell, up the Silverhill Trail, round Brierley Forest, to Pleasley Pit, back down the trail and forest, finally finishing at the Scandlands football pitch at Blackwell on Sunday.

Despite driving sleet and an injury to his calf muscle Daz managed to do the challenge in three hours, 48 minutes and one second.

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It was his first marathon and he smashed his target of £3,000, raising over £6,000 with more coming in.

Little Jaxson Potts of Blackwell born with rare genetic condition Prader Wili SyndromeLittle Jaxson Potts of Blackwell born with rare genetic condition Prader Wili Syndrome
Little Jaxson Potts of Blackwell born with rare genetic condition Prader Wili Syndrome

The electrician, who has two children said the plight of five-month-old baby Jaxson, born to his friends Zach and Louise Potts, of Blackwell, gave him ‘all the motivation needed.’

Jaxson was born in July with Prader-Willi Syndrome. The rare condition causes a range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioural problems, excessive appetite and weight gain.

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Darren said: “I’m absolutely over the moon that I ran a marathon, it was my first and in just three hours and 48 minutes – and one second but we can ignore that! I’m chuffed to bits and l’ve raised over £6,000 for Jaxson. It’s brilliant!

First time marathon runner Daz Smith of Blackwell raised over £6,000 for baby Jaxson Potts who has a rare genetic conditionFirst time marathon runner Daz Smith of Blackwell raised over £6,000 for baby Jaxson Potts who has a rare genetic condition
First time marathon runner Daz Smith of Blackwell raised over £6,000 for baby Jaxson Potts who has a rare genetic condition

"I was so nervous. I’d injured myself four weeks in to my seven week training, spraining my soleus muscle in my left calf, it was painful and had niggled me. Then on the day, the weather was absolutely horrendous, freezing cold and and sleeting. I just put my head down and keep going. It was quite emotional on the finish line!

"I’d always wanted to do a marathon but wasn’t motivated, but helping Louise and Zach for Jaxson was motivation enough. As a dad I knew what they must be going through.

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“They are thrilled to bits, the money could pay for specialist treatment in America or as Jaxson grows with things he might need like physio.

His partner Leanne Charlesworth said: “We are so proud of Daz for what he achieved. He’s amazing!”

Donations for Jaxson can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/a-marathon-for-jaxson.