Cumbria's marathon man halfway through marathon-a-day challenge
He reached the halfway point this morning (1st July) as he ran his 182nd marathon this year
After 20 pairs of trainers, over 780k calories burnt and £100k raised, Cumbria's marathon man has reached the halfway point of this years epic challenge.
Gary McKee started running a marathon a day back on January 1st this year, and is aiming to raise £1 million for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
Today he completed his 182nd run, and tomorrow will be finishing marathon number 183 at community event in St Bees.
By the end of the challenge he'll have run over 9,500 miles!
Gary said: “I can’t really believe how quickly the time has gone by. We’ve gone from Winter to Spring and we’re now into Summer, although looking at the weather you’d never think it. The support this far has been exceptional, which is typical of our community.
“From support runners and riders to people organising their own events and schools raising funds from their sports days, it’s all added much needed funds to the JustGiving page.
“We’re now down to the last 180 odd days or 180 odd opportunities to raise the profiles of the charities and reach that magic million.
“The reason I’m doing this is that I’m lucky enough to be able to take on a physical challenge of this scale, and every day I think about all the people going through cancer treatment who face their own physical and emotional challenges.
“If I can support people going through cancer and other life-limiting illnesses while inspiring people to get out there and fundraise themselves, then every marathon I do every day is worth the effort.
He added: “Everyone is coming together for the cause, and it’s great to see, for me it’s still a day at time, onto the final six months now, and I’m going to ‘hoss on’.”
The 53-year-old, who has supported Macmillan for over 18 years, last year completed a gruelling 110 consecutive marathons for his two chosen charities, raising an incredible £200,000.
Gary was inspired to start fundraising for Macmillan after his father was diagnosed with cancer in 1997. His father died from an unrelated illness in 2003.
Julie Monk Chief Executive of Hospice at Home West Cumbria said: “We often talk about the story of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, its humble beginnings, its caring and compassionate approach, its place in the hearts of our communities, and as we know, every story has a hero.
“Heroes are usually people who start with everyday qualities, but then are prepared to put themselves at the front, often at risk, for the greater good of others.
“They are admired for their courage and outstanding achievements, and for us, Gary is everything a hero could be. Congratulations Gary on reaching halfway, you are and will always be, part of our story.”
Sue McDonald, Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager said: “Gary always says he takes it ‘just a day at a time’. Well, he’s done that for six months solid now and he has it all to do again until December 31. We are all in awe of him and Macmillan Cancer Support is honoured and proud to be supported by Gary as he puts himself through the greatest physical challenge of his life.
“Gary has an extraordinary mental attitude to his 365 challenges. His motivation to get out there running a marathon every single day comes from his determination to raise funds to help Macmillan and Hospice At Home West Cumbria support people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.”