By BRENT STUBBS
Senior Sports Reporter
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
WHENEVER you discuss road running in the Bahamas, one of the first names that comes to mind is Anthony ‘Marathon Man’ Williams.
Today, Williams’ name is on a placard that he holds on the streets of New Providence as he seeks the support of the Bahamian public in helping him out with his medical expenses to replace his hips.
“Right now I’m going through surgery to replace my two hip joints,” Williams said. “I need to take this operation as quick as possible because what the doctors are saying to me is that the hip bone is rubbing hard on the pellet bone, which could put me out of commission and cause me to become cripple. So I feel the effect from it every day of my life, so I have to get it done.”
Williams, 57, is in need of $35,000 to have the surgery that will be set as soon as he returns for his next scheduled visit to the doctor on August 23. He was diagnosed with the problem after running his last marathon in New York in 1998. He had a replacement of the pellet bone, but now he needs a complete hip replacement after it got worse.
“I spoke to minister (of youth, sports and culture Dr Danny) Johnson and he told me that the government is going to help me,” Williams said. “So I’m just waiting to see what they are going to do. But at the same time, I’m on the streets trying to do my part by asking the public to help me. I’m asking everybody to do whatever they can do to help me. I want the people to see that I really need the help. I definitely need the surgery.”
Williams, normally accompanied by two of his sons, Anthony Jr and Jacob, said the public’s response has been good so far, but he is still looking for corporate Bahamas to lend their support.
Interested persons can make a direct contribution to Williams’ Bank of the Bahamas account number 5510052588 or contact him at 433-2330.
“I’m asking the Bahamian people to help me,” said Williams, who can be seen on a daily basis with his placard and his collection bin at the foot of the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge on East Bay Street or at the red light near Island Luck on Collins Avenue.
“They know who I am and what I have done for my country. I really need your assistance now that I am on disability. I used to teach in Eleuthera and Harbour Island and they put me on disability because of the injury. So I really need the support of my people.”
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