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 <strong>Keele</strong> 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 <strong>Keele</strong> 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 <strong>Keele</strong> Observatory Project. As a graduate of <strong>Keele</strong> 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 <strong>Keele</strong> 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 <strong>Keele</strong> graduate Tim Cole (1978 Biology/ Chemistry) returned to the <strong>University</strong> 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 <strong>Keele</strong> and he wanted to donate it to the <strong>University</strong>”. Tim said: “<strong>Keele</strong> gave me a good education in chemistry and it has been my pleasure to come back today and give something back to the <strong>University</strong>”. 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 Telephone Email Year of Graduation Subject(s) I wish to make the following donation to the <strong>Keele</strong> Key Fund: £ ❍ This is a singular donation by cheque Direct Debit I would like to make a donation to... <strong>Keele</strong> Key Fund Student Experience Sports, Arts and Leisure Academic Excellence Postcode Facsimile ❍ This is a regular donation from my bank. I have completed the Direct Debit form below I would like more information about leaving a legacy to <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong> I am a UK tax payer and would like my donation to qualify for Gift Aid To (your bank name and address): Bursaries and Scholarships Restoration of the <strong>Keele</strong> heritage and environment Restoration of the <strong>Keele</strong> Observatory (Specifically) Please pay <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong>, 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: £ ❍ monthly ❍ quarterly ❍ annually* Account Number: Sort Code: Until further notice* or for years* or until payments* have been made Starting (date): Date Signature Name Please return this form to: <strong>Keele</strong> Key Fund, Marketing, Darwin Building, <strong>Keele</strong> <strong>University</strong>, Staffordshire ST5 5BG.
issue : four : April 2009 | forever:keele 15
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