THE parents of Devizes born Olympic hopeful Tom Reed are planning to run their first 10k race next week to help raise funds for their son to go to the next Olympics.
Dave and Julie Reed, of Mayenne Place, will be running the Bowood 10k on March 22 in an effort to help their son pursue his dream of competing in the 2016 games in Rio.
The couple have raised approximately £1,100 to date and a raffle held at an annual army reunion attended by the sportman also raised more than £450.
Mr Reed, 52, said: “We are really proud of Tom and we just want to raise as much as we can for him.
“The running starting as a way to keep fit and then my mother suggested doing it as a way to raise funds for Tom.”
Mr Reed said he has not done any running since he left the army in the 1980s and 53-year-old Mrs Reed has never done any.
Since the start of the New Year the couple have been running three times a week to prepare and the money raised will help their son to enter competitions as he is completely self funded.
Mr Reed said: “To qualify for Rio involves entering a number of qualifying events all around the world, with each competition costing between £200 to £300 plus travel expenses.
“He doesn’t get any funding because, as an older athlete, it is very hard for him to get as the money is ploughed into the younger competitors.
“Tom spends every spare penny he has to pursue this; he just needs a little help along the way.”
Along with training full time Reed also coaches Judo along with being a Sky Sports mentor, which involves going into schools and inspiring young people to get involved in the sport.
The 29-year-old currently lives in Bath with wife Erica and trains at the University of Bath.
Reed started Judo at the age of eight, as a member of Devizes Budo Club, and began competing age 10.
He is now a two time under 23 European medallist and has won numerous World Cup, European Open, and national Championships medals.
He became a British Champion in 2007, competed in the World Championships in 2010 and got silver last summer in the Commonwealth Games.
To sponsor the Reeds go to http://fnd.us/c/9wWs6
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