After running 2,904 miles, clocking up 5.2 million steps and raising more than £100,000, Marathon Man Gary McKee’s challenge is coming to an end.
On May 21, Gary will have run 110 marathons in 110 days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and West Cumbria Hospice at Home.
Local residents are expected to line the route to clap and cheer him along the way – starting from his home in Bowthorn at 8am, until his final furlong through Cleator Moor to Wath Brow Hornets RLFC at about 2pm.
The ‘running machine’ has been joined by Kevin Hetherington, who is joining him on 55 of those marathons, and they have both received fantastic support from Michael Watson, who will run 44.
Gary’s 16-year-old son Alfie and nephew Stuart McKee are also playing a huge part by cycling 110 marathons in 110 days – while his son Beau, 13, is running 6.2 miles a day and daughter, Minnie, is running or cycling three miles a day to support their dad. And many members of the local community are also fundraising alongside this mega challenge.
Altogether team ‘McKee’ so far has raised an incredible £107,195 for their two chosen charities.
Gary, 51, has supported Macmillan Cancer Support for more than 18 years, raising more than £400,000 for the charity to help people living with cancer. He was inspired to fundraise for Macmillan after his dad was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 and sadly passed away from an unrelated illness in 2003.
Claire Rowney, Macmillan’s executive director of fundraising, marketing and innovation, said: “The pandemic has been an acutely challenging time for people with cancer, who need us more than ever, and every penny raised by incredible fundraisers like Gary and his family help fund our vital support services, at a time when our income faces a significant drop.
“The McKees’ endless dedication and generosity will help Macmillan continue to do whatever it takes be there for people living with cancer now and in the future, and we are so grateful for their continued support.”
For more on Gary’s mammoth marathon challenge go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=GaryMcKee1&pageUrl=1
