Young dad runs Telford Parkrun with hay bale on his back in memory of 'incredible man' killed in road tragedy
“The Bale Man “ to take on numerous running and walking challenges to honour childhood friend
A young dad is running 30 races with a hay bale strapped to his back in memory of his farming friend who was killed in a road crash.
In among the hordes of runners pounding their way around Telford town centre for the Parkrun recently was Lee Firmstone - aka The Bale Man.
He is running several races in memory of his “incredible” friend Will Rogers, who tragically died in April 2022 after being found in the road after being hit by a van.
Will, who was aged 26, was a popular rugby player and contractor in the farming trade. He was found on the B4368 at Diddlebury, near Craven Arms.
Now his childhood friend Lee is taking on a variety of running and walking challenges with a 20kg hay bale on his back in memory of Will, and to raise money for a charity supporting people in the farming community.
Lee had his first “training run” at Telford Parkrun, getting round in about 30 minutes, before getting a cuddle from his three-year-old son Luke at the finishing line.
After completing his first race, Lee said: “I’m very chuffed just to get around and to see the support from people. He was an incredible man and it’s an honour to do this challenge in memory of him.”
Lee added: “I have decided, over the next year, to take part in as many running and walking events as I possibly can while carrying a hay on my back.
“This will all be done in memory of my childhood and school friend who was sadly taken from us in April 2022.
“As Will was a young farmer, I will be raising money for the Shropshire Rural Support charity.
“They are a farming related charity who support in periods of anxiety, stress or any issues relating to family and businesses. They are absolutely fantastic.
“I spoke to his mum Mandy and we both decided this would be the perfect charity to raise money for.
“The amount of people who have reached out to support has been absolutely mad.”
After that, Lee will be booking to do longer distance races, hopefully culminating in a marathon. He also plans to walk up Snowdon and do next year’s Bridgnorth Walk.
So far he has raised more than £900.
To support Lee’s fundraising efforts, you can donate at givewheel.com/fundraising/17556/the-bale-man/
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