Heart doctor Doug Skehan expects to compete in the New York Marathon despite Hurricane Sandy causing mayhem in the Big Apple.
The 59-year-old's flight from Heathrow touched down at JFK airport on Wednesday, on a runway that had been under water 36 hours earlier. Yesterday, he registered for the marathon, which is set to go ahead, albeit with an altered route, tomorrow.
He said: "We received a great welcome in an uncrowded arrivals hall from an immigration officer who appeared jovial and glad to have us marathon tourists, which did not meet the usual reputation for a US official.
"During the run I suspect some direct observation of the hurricane Sandy effect is likely along the 26.2-mile course, but the work to clear the course is under way, so a can-do spirit should prevail."
From the apartment in Manhattan, where he and his wife, Marcelle, are staying with friends, he said: "There's a stark contrast between the bright lights along 42nd Street and Times Square and the darkness in Lower Manhattan and New Jersey, where, no doubt, conditions must be testing tolerance and resources."
Doug will be running to raise cash for Glenfield Hospital, where he works. He hopes to raise more than £20,000 to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with heart and vascular problems.
To sponsor Doug, go to:
www.justgiving.com/ drskehannewyorkmarathon
