Gerrard admits he nearly withdrew from Parish

Illness and injury struggle during walk

Manx Telecom Parish Walk winner Richard Gerrard has admited he was very close to retiring from the event on Saturday.

He felt ill the day before and during the race.

Gerrard started but had frequent bouts of sickness and was suffering from a bad back.

He eventually battled through the illness and pain to record a fourth victory in five years.

Richard says he was very tempted to give up in the early stages of the walk:-