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Training is key
in Matthew’s fundraising marathon
Matthew Woods (1996 Economics/Physics,
2000 PhD Physics) ran the New York Marathon
to raise money for the Keele Key Fund’s special
project of renovating the Observatory.
“So there I was, standing on the start line of
the New York marathon. Nerves jangling and
knees knocking, I was occupied by one single
thought – had I done enough?
For four months Nike’s coaching staff had inspired
my mind and honed my muscles to carry me up
to 80 miles a week around Central Park, along the
coast of New England and even over the Rockies
at under seven minutes per mile.
I had read books on nutrition, nursed sprained
ankles, run with American athlete Dathan
Ritzenhein and been advised by Paula Radcliffe
but it could still all go wrong because I ate too
much for breakfast or didn’t get enough sleep.
Suddenly it was time. With my mind clearly focused
on my goal of raising money for the Keele Key
Fund, I set off over the Verrazano Bridge. I ran the
first half in 1 hour 28 minutes. In Manhattan the
crowds were 10 deep and their roar deafening – I
picked up my pace to 6:30 per mile!
When I reached the Bronx the doubts set in.
Ahead of me were three miles of hard hills to
the finish line and I only had 20 minutes to break
three hours!
When I entered Central Park I had slowed
dramatically and had nothing left. The next mile
was downhill but I couldn’t pick up my pace. I
knew I was hitting the infamous wall!
As I ran the last mile all I could hear was my boss’s
words “it’s going to hurt but don’t stop running”,
but suddenly through blurred vision I made out
Columbus Circle and the finishing straight.
With renewed strength I was floating up the
last 400 metres. I finished in three hours one
minute and 42 seconds, 1,095th out of 38,000+
finishers and raised 2,000 dollars for the Keele
Observatory Project. As a graduate of Keele
Physics, the renovation of the Observatory is
very close to my heart. In addition to advancing
the work of the Astrophysics department, it
will also promote Keele nationally and bring
science and education to thousands of local
children and residents annually. The next race is
Paris on 5th April where I am trying to run sub 3.
If you would like to support me and this
worthwhile cause please contact Fundraising
Officer, Robin Cross, on 01782 733003 or
r.i.cross@kfm.keele.ac.uk”
(L to R: Tim’s son Ben, Tim Cole, Jim Howell)
Graduate returns
after 30 years to
donate equipment
Keele graduate Tim Cole (1978 Biology/
Chemistry) returned to the University for
the first time in 30 years to officially donate
a piece of analytical equipment worth
about £24,000 to the School of Physical and
Geographical Sciences.
Now head of his own scientific supply company,
Integrated Scientific, Tim decided to donate
the equipment after an inquiry by Professor
Jim Howell, who said: “I had telephoned to ask
for a quote for this piece of equipment. I got
a phone call the next day from Tim who told
me he had studied at Keele and he wanted
to donate it to the University”.
Tim said: “Keele gave me a good education
in chemistry and it has been my pleasure to
come back today and give something back
to the University”.
The equipment, which is the same as used in
oil refineries, measures various properties of
liquid fuels and will be used within the School
to analyse bio-fuels.
Donation Form
Title Forenames Surname
Address
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Subject(s)
I wish to make the following donation to the Keele Key Fund: £
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I would like more information about leaving a legacy to Keele University
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To (your bank name and address):
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Restoration of the Keele heritage and environment
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(Specifically)
Please pay Keele University, c/o NatWest Bank, 75 High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme,
Staffordshire ST5 1PP, Acc. No. 05600456, Sort-code 54-10-27, the sum of my account:
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Until further notice* or for years* or until payments* have been made
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Please return this form to: Keele Key Fund, Marketing, Darwin Building, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG.