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‘Hardest Geezer’ is the absolute legend running the entire length of Africa for charity and we have no words
While we're struggling to get out of bed on a Monday morning, this fair-skinned ginger bloke is running across Africa in scorching temperatures and a retro England shirt.
We come across all kinds of incredible human feats and charitable efforts in our line of work, but every now and again someone comes along that truly captures our attention and, in this case, that person is the one they call ‘The Hardest Geezer’: the man who is running the entire length of Africa.
As in all of it…
Real name Russell Cook, or Russ to his mates, this man has earned the title of Worthing’s ‘Hardest Geezer’ after completing numerous incredible and, frankly, insane endurance challenges, including becoming the first person in history to run from London to Asia. A well-earned moniker, we’d say.
Cut to April 22 onwards and his latest effort is Project Africa, inspired by the challenge to cycle 13,000 km across the Eastern seaboard of the continent — an epic journey in itself which takes over 10 months to complete. The only difference is this lad is doing it all on foot. As you do.
Setting himself the incredibly tall order of running the equivalent of 360 marathons in 240 days, Russ is now three weeks into his long-haul trek with well over 150 kilometres already ran.
His journey will take him through South Africa, Namibia, Angola; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon; Nigeria, Benin, Togo; Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea; Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria and finally Tunisia where his gargantuan run will finish.
Oh yeah, did we mention that includes part of the Sahara Desert, you know, famously one of the hottest places on Earth? I mean, he’s an experienced ultra-marathon runner but this is just nuts.
As for what keeps him motivated, it’s a very simple message that we can all learn from: “one day at a time, you’ve just got to keep showing up”, no matter the obstacles.
It’s safe to say that beyond all his previous ultra marathon challenges, this is one of the greatest feats of human endurance ever and he’s documenting the whole thing on his socials and on his YouTube channel.
We still get over the fact he’s ginger either — putting that fair skin under the African heat for hours and hours every day is bravery in itself! Thank god for that sun hat.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, he explained how part of his inspiration came from “working jobs that [he] really didn’t like and feeling like [he] wasn’t living a meaningful, fulfilling life” and since then he’s had one overarching goal: “get after as much life I can”.
How’s that for words to live by?
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As running the entire length of Africa wasn’t brilliant enough, the thing we love most about this bloke — other than his incredible levels of positivity — is he’s fundraising along the way, raising money not only for The Running Charity which helps the homeless but WaterAid too, which provides clean water and sanitation to areas in need across the globe.
What a guy.
You can get behind him by donating to his Project Africa fundraiser HERE and we’ll leave you with one of our favourite videos he’s posted so far.
You’re an inspiration to all of us and make us want to wake up and put in the graft, good on ya’.
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Featured Image — Russ Cook, a.k.a. ‘Hardest Geezer’ (via Twitter)
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Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielder Joe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Gone far too soon. Rest in peace x
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Featured Images — Thompson Family (via Instagram)/Manchester United
News
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
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Featured Images — Disney
