Daniel Fairbrother from Stevenage proposed to his girlfriend Hayley by Big Ben. She said yes. He completed the London Marathon with a fridge strapped to his back raising over 12,000 for Diabetes UK.
Daniel thanked Hayley for supporting him and used the opportunity to pop the question. "When you find someone like you, who's happy to support me and encourage me to grow. I need to make sure that you're around," he told her, as the crowd cheered.
Daniel, 34, works in sales and decided to take on the unusual running challenge for his best friend, Sam Wilson, who lives with type 1 diabetes.
The pair have known each other for 15 years and Diabetes UK is “close to Sam’s heart”, said Daniel.
Last year, he attempted to do a run but after raising £30 he decided to think of something “bigger and crazier to raise lots of charity money. That was my promise to Sam".
Why a fridge? First, many thought the “crazy idea” was inspired by comedian Tony Hawks’ book Round Ireland With A Fridge (1988).
Daniel, however explained that it was a story he saw on the news last year that prompted him.
“It was about a British royal marine that had set a new world record for the fastest marathon run whilst carrying a kitchen white goods (fridge). It’s a very respectable record but I believed I could beat. I picked a fridge and named it Tallulah for my World Record attempt."
Tallulah was named after the bobsleigh in Cool Runnings, Daniel’s favourite film growing up.
Running around with a fridge is not for the faint hearted. Tallulah weighs almost 26 kilos and Daniel had to adapt his body to running with the added weight and bulk, as well as contend with pain in his knees and lower legs.
Fridge thief or marathon runner?
Daniel’s training attracted police attention in late January, and after that encounter he became a national media figure.
He was running in Stevenage with Tallulah on a dark cold evening when a police car stopped the traffic in both directions and asked Daniel about the fridge attached to his back.
“I laughed and said that I could explain everything. After I told them I was training for the marathon, they changed immediately. They ended up wishing me all the best and shaking my hand and sending me on my way. It ended being a very positive interaction with the local police," Daniel said.
He found his love of running after listening to a podcast and realised how good it was for his mental health.
“I love running and I would love to be able to spread the positive message to the world about running. Running boasts so many physical and mental health benefits everyone should be doing it. It changed my life and I know it will help so many others,” he said.
The local community has also been very supportive, as well as family and friends. Daniel already raised over £12,000, and the donations keep pouring in. To support him and Diabetes UK donate at Daniel Fairbrother is fundraising for Diabetes UK (justgiving.com)
