Franco Leo died , the 53-year-old quadriplegic from Bellizzi - in the Salerno area - who realized his great dream last November 6: to run the New York marathon.

After years of training, Franco had covered the 42 km and 195 meters which separated him from the much coveted goal. Pushed in a wheelchair by his brother Dario , after years of training, he covered the entire journey with happiness in his heart.

The brother's message was touching: «You left like this, on a rainy evening. And as happens on rainy days, you leave us dismayed, cold, sad. What makes me serene is that heaven wanted to give you, a few days before your end, your long-awaited dream », he writes on Facebook.

«I can't find words to describe the emptiness you leave in each of us, but, allow me, the emptiness in me is immense because in the last two years we have been more united than ever: you are the mind, I am your legs. Our workouts, the little trips to be able to participate in the various marathons, the laughter, the interviews, the photographs. My brother, you left happy that you had some wonderful days. You left in all of us the desire to never give up. You will always be with me, you will guide me and you will give me the strength to carry on the active dream of many other guys who have taken inspiration from your hard head. I love you Franco » concludes Dario.

(Unioneonline/vf)

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