Comic Eddie Izzard is heading to Newcastle

Sep 4 2009 The Journal

AN unlikely trio can be seen making their way through the region today in the form of athletes Steve Cram, Alison Curbishley and … Eddie Izzard!

The famously cross-dressing comic has launched a bid to run more than 1,000 miles in seven weeks to raise cash for Sport Relief. And today he will jog from Ponteland, through Newcastle city centre and south to Durham.

Alison, a former 400m Olympic competitor, has revealed how she and partner Steve, nicknamed the Jarrow Arrow, are battling injury to support Eddie in his challenge.

The 33-year-old, who lives in Northumberland, said: “Steve and I will be cycling alongside as we're both crocked.

“Steve has torn his calf and I've had a knee op.”

Yesterday the 47-year-old comedian and actor covered the 27 miles between the A68 at Otterburn to the A696 in Ponteland.

Since setting off from Trafalgar Square in London in July, Izzard has covered around 30 miles a day in an epic journey which has taken him all over the UK.

Eddie, who runs at a rate of about five miles per hour, said: “I had always wanted to do a big physical running challenge and this seemed a great way to do it and also raise money to help Africa and the poorest countries in the world.”

The latest leg of his challenge will see him hit the streets of Newcastle as he journeys through the city centre after arriving in the region via Northumberland and the Scottish borders.