Politics
Ryan Thomas sheds tears and hugs his family as he completes gruelling 10 day marathon challenge
RYAN Thomas shed tears and hugged his family as he completed his gruelling 10 day marathon challenge.
The former Coronation Street star, 36, completed 10 marathons in 10 days to raise money for suicide prevention charity CALM.
Ryan Thomas broke down in tears as he greeted his family[/caption]
Ryan received a hero’s welcome when he arrived in his hometown of Manchester after walking all the way from London.
Fiancé Lucy Mecklenburgh gave him a big kiss on the lips in front of the crowd when he arrived.
The star was also greeted by his young son Roman, who he lifted up into the air with joy.
Daughter Scarlett – who he shares with Tina O’Brien – and his brothers Scott and Adam Thomas also greeted him at the finish line.
Ryan lifted baby Roman in the air[/caption]
He gave Lucy a kiss on the lips on his arrival[/caption]
The gruelling challenge took a toll on the actor, who was forced to have ice baths to keep his aching body going.
Ryan hoped to raise £25,000 for CALM but has already managed £155,000 according to his JustGiving page.
He started from Buckingham Palace on Monday, May 10 before finishing at Manchester Cathedral today.
The total distance covered was 262 miles and involved 9 overnight stops via six canals.
Actor Chris Fountain joined Ryan on the walk[/caption]
Ryan’s brother Adam alongside Chris[/caption]
Ryan revealed he had a personal reason for embarking on the journey as his friend died by suicide during lockdown.
Speaking about the death, he told The Mirror: “You’d never have known he was suffering. The night before he was on Instagram saying he was out for dinner.
“He was the same age as me. It really shook everyone.”
He added of the people messaging him ahead of his marathon: “Some are from people who lost a dad, or sister, to suicide. Many are struggling themselves.
Ryan’s brothers Scott and Adam with his daughter Scarlett and mum Gail (left)[/caption]
Most read in Showbiz
“I’m lucky in that my brothers and I always talk. But not everyone has that support. Men are not great with their emotions.
“I want people to know there’s help out there. If I can save even one life, I’ll have done a great job.”
